Just how important is a settled central defence in the Premier League? | Oliver Hopkins
Arsenal have gone top of the table with a steady defence, whereas Manchester United keep chopping and changing
By Oliver Hopkins for Opta Analyst
A solid centre-back partnership has been the foundation of many of the Premier League’s best sides. From Tony Adams and Martin Keown, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, to even the undeniable importance of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth; a settled, reliable partnership is at the heart of any great side.
With Arsenal’s title charge underpinned by a dominant defence led by Gabriel and William Saliba, we investigate the current crop of Premier League centre-backs. Who are the most effective combinations? Which teams can barely field the same partnership from week to week? And are we seeing the death of the back three?
