Mikel Arteta has worked hard on improving Arsenal's defence since his appointment back in December 2019.
Now more than two years later, it finally looks as though he has a competent back-line.
At the heart of that defence is £50million summer signing Ben White and Brazilian star, Gabriel Magalhaes.
The pair have formed an impeccable partnership since first playing together in the Gunners 1-0 win over Norwich City in September.
Some fans questioned the decision to allow William Saliba to go out on loan for a third time this season, but White and Magalhaes have been so impressive that much of the fanbase have forgiven Arteta for making that choice.
In fact, the Gunners stars have been the joint best centre-back partnership in the league - statistically speaking that is.
As per Opta account Orbinho on Twitter, the duo are the centre-back pairing with the joint-most clean sheets (8) this season in the Premier League.
They're only matched by New Year's Day opponents Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, of Manchester City.
White and Magalhaes may be denied the opportunity to extend that record on Saturday as the former may have to continue in his role at right-back as opposed to centre-half.
First choice right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu missed Arsenal's 5-0 Boxing Day win over Norwich after contracting Covid-19. White stepped in to fill the void but the Japanese international hasn't returned to training as he continues his recovery.
On the other hand, Dias and Laporte could line-up together, and if they succeed in keeping Arsenal quiet, they will climb to the top of the defensive charts.
That being said, it's still been a magnificent showing from the two defenders, and it finally looks as though the Gunners have a partnership they can rely upon.
