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Tom Coley

Arsenal news: Rio Ferdinand offers William Saliba verdict as Gunners' title ambitions dealt blow

Your Arsenal morning digest on Sunday, February 12.

Brentford hand title blow

Arsenal failed to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League yesterday as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Brentford.

Leandro Trossard completed an all-round team goal in the second half for his first goal for his new club. However, English striker Ivan Toney was in the right place at the right time to level.

The Gunners are now three games without victory and find themselves six points above Manchester City. However, Pep Guardiola's side are in action today against Aston Villa ahead of Wednesday's crunch clash between the two sides.

Ferdinand offers Saliba verdict

Rio Ferdinand has given his thoughts on the Premier League's best centre-backs this season. Having started every game together it's the Arsenal duo Gabriel Maghalaes and William Saliba that are in the mix.

Although the former Manchester United defender had a pick closer to home for the standout, with Lisandro Martinez chosen, Ferdinand was still full of praise for Mikel Arteta's backline.

Saliba has been compared with the retired England international after his quick start to life in England and Ferdinand has picked him out as the dominant man at the Emirates Stadium.

READ MORE: Arsenal star admits Mikel Arteta judged him on more than his 'football ability'

Speaking to Vibe with FIVE he said: "I think Saliba has been better than Gabriel."

Read the full story, here.

Gundogan warning

Manchester City midfield Ilkay Gundogan has praised Arsenal for their stellar season so far but warned his side aren't out of the race just yet.

Gundogan played under Arteta's coaching at City back when the Spaniard was assistant to Pep Guardiola and the German has spoken out ahead of their eagerly awaited midweek clash.

"Their approach is almost identical to ours and if you look at their first team it's clear that on a good day they can compete with any opponent," he said. "A few weeks ago we beat them in the FA Cup and felt how uncomfortable they are to play against. If they have the ball, they can punish other teams.

Read the full story, here.

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