William Saliba has been incredible for Arsenal so far this season – and Sunday was no different. City would have been the favourites to win going into the game, but Arsenal fans were hoping that Saliba continued to do what he’s been doing all season, destroy attacks.
Haaland is clearly one of the Premier League’s top attackers, picking up unheard of numbers in his first season in England and walking away with the Golden Boot and the treble is something we all can appreciate, but all good things must come to an end and honestly, Saliba had Haaland in his pocket the entire game.
What I thought might be a huge task for Saliba looked to be easy for our big centre-back, using his body constantly to get between the ball and Haaland. Haaland is very fast and likes to get a ball over the top of him and make a break for it, but Saliba read every move Haaland made with perfection. Keeping the Premier League’s top goal scorer to zero shots in the entire game, Saliba truly outclassed him.
Winning 100% of his duels, not letting a single play past him, he looked like a brick wall in our defence. With 97% of his passes making it to their intended target and not letting a single City player dribble past him, it truly was a masterclass for Saliba and Arteta. Probably one of the hardest opponents he will face this season and he did it with ease.
Linking up with fellow Arsenal centre-back Gabriel, both defenders have had an impressive season so far, coming away with 6 clean sheets when starting together and looks to have formed one of the strongest centre-back partnerships in the Premier League this season. Walking away form City with all three points and another incredible performance from our defence, leaving us joint top of the table with across town rivals Tottenham who are only above us due to goal’s scored.
Saliba won’t be travelling with his national team France this international break as he’s been reported to have a minor setback injury in his toe and will use our two week break to recover. A perfect start to the season for Saliba and Arsenal fans will be hoping he continues his fine form.
What’s your thoughts Gooners? How impressed have you been with Saliba so far?
Daisy Mae
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I’m very impressed. Haaland handled the likes of De Ligt and Upamecano in UCL quarter-final as if they were EFL Championship CBs, yet Saliba completely nullified the world-class CF
I doubt Kiwior and Tomiyasu can play the sweeper-CB role like that against Haaland, because they’re smaller than him
If Saliba gets injured, I think we can forget about any major trophy this season
Obviously you’ve never taken the time to sit down and watch Tomiyasu play at International level. I’ve never missed a match of his because I was there sitting on the bench
I don’t think Tomiyasu has ever played CB against Haaland at international level, but I’m looking forward to their battle in EPL
Tomi is as big as wilo in frame, infact could have been bigger if not for his bow leg shape.
According to Transfermarkt, Saliba is 192cm tall and Tomiyasu’s height is 188cm
I guess one could say there isn’t much disparity with a 3cm difference w.hich would be about the length of an adult man’s pinky finger.
Haaland didn’t score in the two legs of the Champions League Semi finals against Real Madrid. He didn’t score in the Champions League Finals. And he certainly couldn’t score in the FA CUP FINALS against Manchester United. I was watching a debate this morning with two commentators discussing Haaland’s inability to show up in big matches. I had to agree.
Sad they ain’t giving Gabriel dey credit he deserves. My unsung hero
Saliba is our best player no contest! Saka, Ode and Martinelli are all fantastic but Saliba is next level.
People forget how difficult it is to be CB in this day and age with refs calling every little foul, it’s a very rare skillset.
Precisely! He literally nullified him and reduced him to some sort of creator, it even got easier without KDB feeding him defence splitting passes and crosses.lol
Saliba was brilliant against City, especially as he played with a toe injury. He is so assured on the ball and very quick, playing his way to being an Arsenal legend of the future, even a famous pundit (can’t remember who) said he reminded him of big Sol Campbell.
Garth Brooks.
When people start debating who is our best player between the likes of Saliba, Ode, Rice, Partey, Saka, Martinelli,.. It puts a smile on my face because it just shows how far we have come as a team in terms of team quality depth.. Onwards and upwards… COYG
Saliba, saka, Ode, Rice, Partey,Rams, Martineli, Raya. They are all world class but who show consistent performers is the best ,for me Saka and Ode is my standouts player game-in game-out. Rice has come to join the two let see how long he’s going to last to have our three wise men
I also want to give a huge shout out to Benjamin White.. He always gives his all and is pure quality…. Both offensively and defensively he is quite a consistent performer
That’s our Rolls Royce and Bentley
Saliba has been wonderful this season carrying on from his great performances last season. His performance against City was simply great, he not only kept Haaland quiet but did not allow any other City attacker a clear chance at goal. It was a real masterpiece by the young Frenchman and hope he continues this performance for a long long time. Arsenal’s defensive pairing of Saliba and Gabriel has been the best in the PL this season and long may it continue.
Not taking anything away from Saliba or Gabriel and the other members of Arsenal’s back four, but one of the key elements in keeping Haarland quiet was the Arsenal midfield cutting off his supply. He had to feed off scraps all game.