One Arsenal star has now cemented his elite-level credentials with yet another statement performance in a huge fixture.
Arsenal maintained their pace in the Premier League title race with a 1-0 win against Manchester United on Sunday.
This was not a vintage display from the Gunners at Old Trafford. Mikel Arteta’s side created few chances and were unable to take control of the midfield battle. Thomas Partey was singled out by Arsenal fans as he produced a particularly poor performance.
However, the North London club’s defensive resilience proved enough to see them through.
As soon as Arsenal took the lead, Arteta was seen giving instructions to Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian centre-back, alongside William Saliba, then played a key role in keeping the Red Devils at bay until the final whistle.
Saliba was particularly impressive, as he produced a Man of the Match display in the North West.
William Saliba stepped up for Arsenal against Manchester United
The defender was rock-solid throughout the match. The stats underline just a how dominant a presence Saliba was. As per WhoScored data, the 23-year-old made four tackles and six clearances, more than any of his teammates in both instances. He also won three aerial duels.
One second-half moment summed up Saliba’s afternoon. Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho picked up the ball in a dangerous position and drove into the Arsenal penalty area. Only Saliba stood between the attacker a clear sight of goal. The centre-back was able to keep his cool before executing a perfectly-timed tackle to regain possession of the ball.
Ian Wright was blown away by the Frenchman’s performance, and that challenge on Garnacho in particular. Speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast, the former striker said: “in that moment, right, with Saliba making that tackle in the box so precisely, was again why he is Man of the Match.
“He was the Man of the Match at Old Trafford, he was the Man of the Match at Etihad, he was the Man of the Match at Anfield, he is the guy.”
William Saliba underlines world-class credentials
With his performances away from home against the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool this season, Saliba has proven that he is able to be utterly dominant when facing the best in the game in high-stakes fixtures.
The 13-cap France international has surely now established himself as a world-class defender, which is remarkable given his relative youth.
He also works brilliantly alongside Gabriel. Saliba and Gabriel have been described as the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League. Arteta will be desperate to keep the duo together for years to come.