'Just top class': Matt Upson blown away by £27m Arsenal player after seeing him live v Tottenham today

Arsenal held firm at Tottenham today to win out 1-0 and former defender Matt Upson has been raving about a couple of players.

The Gunners completed yet another shutout to show their defensive qualities yet again and in the end, it was a defender they had to thank for the winner, as Gabriel Magalhaes headed in.

For Mikel Arteta, seeing his team battle to a big win without key men like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice will have felt massive.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta left absolutely furious with £6m Arsenal player despite 1-0 win vs Tottenham

Of course, to win a NLD, you need a number of players at it and after Gary Neville was impressed by Bukayo Saka’s defensive work, former Gunner Matt Upson has picked out someone else for special praise.

William Saliba told he’s ‘top class’ after his performance at Tottenham

Commentating on the game for the BBC, former Arsenal man Upson picked out Gabriel and Saliba’s partnership, and had special praise for Saliba’s impact.

“Gabriel and William Saliba is the best central defensive pairing for me [in Europe right now]. I don’t doubt that at all,” Upson said.

“Saliba is on the gas, he knows exactly where he needs to go. It’s just top class and it is measured and organised.

“The organisation allows them to be world class at what they do. Arsenal are generally in quite a measured position to begin with which then gives them more of a chance to be top defenders one on one.”

Saliba one of Arsenal’s best modern signings

Yes, today belonged to Gabriel with the crucial goal and a good performance himself but on the whole, you really have to admire William Saliba.

Signed for around £27m, there was a time when Saliba looked like he might not even play for Arsenal.

• READ MORE: Gary Neville noticed interesting exchange between £45m Arsenal star and Ethan Nwaneri vs Spurs

Now, he’s the top dog and with Real Madrid apparently looking at Saliba, it shows just how far he has come.

Sure, Saliba needs his partnership with Gabriel. But if you had to pick one or the other, then Saliba is getting the nod from most Arsenal fans.