Bukayo Saka reacts to William Saliba’s performance in 1-0 win against Manchester City
Arsenal put in one of their best performances of the season during their 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Emirates Stadium yesterday.
The Gunners left it late to secure all three points against Pep Guardiola’s side courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli’s 86th-minute strike, but it was their defensive effort which left the injured Bukayo Saka impressed.
The Arsenal forward was unavailable for selection due to a knock but was with his teammates at the stadium to watch the game, and the performance of France international centre-back William Saliba blew him away.
The 6ft 4in ace shut out the Man City attacker, keeping Erling Braut Haaland quiet all game.
Saka enjoyed what he saw from Saliba, taking to Instagram to comment thus on the post of the Frenchman following the game.
Saliba put his body on the line and played through a pain barrier against Man City and has since withdrawn from international duty for this month due to a toe injury.
The 22-year-old won 100% of his duels, recorded a 97% pass accuracy, committed zero fouls and was not dribbled past once in the game.
Opposition players have found life difficult against Saliba on the pitch as he has not been dribbled past in his eight Premier League appearances so far in 2023-24, and he has committed just two fouls all season.
Keeping him fit all season could be key to the title chances of Arsenal, and it remains to be seen whether manager Mikel Arteta can manage to get that done.
Their title challenge collapsed last term after Saliba missed their last 11 league games of the campaign due to an injury, with the Gunners losing three and drawing three of those fixtures.
He will be getting a deserved rest from international duty this month and should be ready to resume action when Premier League football returns in a fortnight against Chelsea.
Saliba is arguably the best centre-back in the English top-flight right now, and Arsenal need him available for their key games to boost their chances of winning major silverware this term.
