Arsenal were able to record a confidence-boosting 5-1 Premier League win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Arsenal were ruthless in the final third at Selhurst Park, with Gabriel Jesus once again stealing the show against the Eagles. Having netted a hat-trick against the South London club during an EFL Cup clash in midweek, the Brazilian striker bagged a brace on this occasion.
Arsenal fans had a lot to say about Jesus’ performance, but credit is also due to Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, who both got onto the scoresheet as well.
However, Mikel Arteta will have been less impressed by what he witnessed at the other end of the pitch.
William Saliba was uncharacteristically poor in defence, and Gabriel Magalhaes was far from his best alongside the Frenchman too.
Jamie Carragher takes aim at William Saliba
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher called out Saliba for being at fault for the goal that the Gunners conceded in the first half, allowing Crystal Palace to briefly draw level.
As Ismaila Sarr was allowed to pick out the bottom corner, Saliba gave the attacker too much space and was unable to close down the shot.
Commentating on Sky Sports (21/12/2024, 17:42), Carragher highlighted the error.
He said: “Saliba drops off too early, then doesn’t do enough to block the shot… He’s got to do more there, the defender.”
After Saliba made another first half mistake, Carragher observed: “Saliba needs to sort himself out. He’s one of the best in the Premier League, but he’s not been at the races so far.”
On this second occasion, though, the hosts were unable to punish the centre-back’s error with a goal.
Arsenal weak points exposed by Crystal Palace
Saliba has been consistently excellent at the back for Arteta’s side. This will go down a merely a disappointing day at the office, for him and Gabriel. As Arsenal were ultimately able to win comfortably, the manager won’t be overly concerned by what he saw.
Gabriel and Saliba have been called the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League, so they don’t represent a soft spot in this team.
However, Thomas Partey was often exposed at Selhurst Park, as until Declan Rice was introduced in the second half he was tasked with screening the back four himself.
The 31-year-old was often outnumbered in this part of the pitch and his lack of pace and mobility were exploited by Crystal Palace, who swarmed around the Ghanaian regularly.
Partey has been one of Arsenal’s best performers this season, but this match served Arteta a reminder of his frailties.
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