Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Erling Haaland gets bodied by William Saliba during football match.
Saliba’s grace and poise at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s backline has played a major role in Arsenal’s transformation from Europa League hopers to legitimate Premier League heavyweight.
And, sure, the 22-year-old’s injury last April was a key factor in the title collapse that Arsenal fans aren’t quite ready to talk about.
A hero in Arsenal’s modern history, guaranteed. The Gunners had to win this game to showcase their title credentials and they knew to do it they’d need to survive without star man Bukayo Saka and the aforementioned Martinelli, at least until it was deemed appropriate to bring him off the bench.
Arsenal have suffered in his absence and when Saka was not named in the matchday squad, there was a sense of emotion being sucked out of the match-going fans as it dawned on supporters that neither starting winger would be in the first eleven. But the Brazilian emerged at half-time and was a menace for Kyle Walker, eventually scoring with minutes remaining to win the game.
But many observers would’ve scoffed at Saliba’s assertion. Good as he is, City were imperious during the run-in last season. And the ease with which they brushed Arsenal aside at the Etihad in late April suggested prime Bobby More and Paolo Maldini would’ve struggled to keep their attack quiet.
We believed it too. Until yesterday.
During Arsenal’s 1-0 win over the Premier League champions, Saliba won 100% of his duels and registered a 97% passing accuracy. He didn’t commit a single foul or get dribbled past once.
In fact, he’s not been dribbled past in his eight Premier League appearances in 2023/24. And he’s committed just two fouls all season. Yikes.
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