Arsenal are nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table, but the win over Sunderland wasn’t entirely enjoyable for one player.
Pressure is on Manchester City to get a result at Anfield as, right now, Arsenal are running away with the Premier League title.
It was a top day for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates, getting revenge on Sunderland with a 3-0 victory following the 2-2 draw between the two clubs in November.
Viktor Gyokeres shone from the bench, and Martin Zubimendi scored his sixth goal of the Premier League season, but at the other end of the spectrum, William Saliba was run ragged in defence.
- READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres shines but there were two clear losers from Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Sunderland
Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Sunderland? Tell us why!
Arsenal fans were not impressed with William Saliba’s performance against Sunderland
Saliba was Arsenal Insider’s pick as the lowest-ranked player in Arsenal’s player ratings against Sunderland.
The Frenchman had a real struggle against the Black Cats, with Brian Brobbey particularly causing the Arsenal star problems.
After Saliba was booked in the 26th minute, fans shared their concern about the 24-year-old’s performance on social media.
“Saliba has been absolutely diabolical,” one X user posted about the centre-back.
Another Arsenal fan viewed Saliba’s performance in the same way, writing, “Saliba is moving too scruffy today.”
The discourse around the defender has been mixed in recent weeks, as after Saliba was error-prone against Manchester United, his frailties were a discussion point when Sunderland visited.
“Saliba performance level been embarrassing last few games,” one Gooner posted on X.
Several fans then suggested that Arteta needs to give Saliba a rest.
“Saliba looks like he is out of his depth – what has happened to him? On a yellow, gets cooked quite a bit and more! WAKE UP! maybe needs a rest!”
Another wrote, “Saliba clearly needs a rest. He has not been his normal self in the last 2 games.”
To put it simply, one fan asked, “Is Saliba drunk?”
Saliba’s stats against Sunderland were confusing
The first half was one that Saliba won’t rush to revisit, but thankfully, he did grow into the game.
Agree or disagree: William Saliba’s performance against Sunderland proves he needs a rest
As Arsenal’s control strengthened and Sunderland’s inspiration gradually fizzled out, the Frenchman’s grip on proceedings improved.
When reviewing Saliba’s statistics, it would be difficult to determine that he even struggled, which is a credit to the centre-back for turning his afternoon around.
Still, the concern remains that perhaps the Arsenal star has earned a rest, which will come, but just not yet, given that Brentford await in just five days.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
