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Saliba put his body on the line and played through a pain barrier against Man City and has since withdrawn from international duty for this month due to a toe injury.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.