Arsenal sent a message to the rest of Europe with an outstanding win over Inter Milan at San Siro.
For all of the Gunners’ strength this season, it has to be said that the result was somewhat unexpected.
It was Arsenal’s first win on Italian soil in the Champions League since Cesc Fabregas’ masterclass against AC Milan at San Siro in 2008, seeing Mikel Arteta’s side flip the script on matchday seven.
The result is celebratory for many reasons: Arsenal ended their wait for a goal away to an Italian club in the tournament, the Gunners are guaranteed a top-two league phase finish, and Arteta’s strikers were on fire.
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William Saliba appeared to be arguing with Ben White after Viktor Gyokeres scored against Inter Milan
Gabriel Jesus scored a brace in a fantastic performance from the Brazilian, but the cherry on the cake was Viktor Gyokeres coming off the bench to score a sumptuous curler from 25 yards out.
The Arsenal squad were elated to see Gyokeres score, with the celebrations jubilant; however, it became apparent that William Saliba was not happy with something.
During the celebrations, Saliba elatedly congratulated Gyokeres, but then turned to Ben White and indulged in what looked to be a heated discussion.
The Frenchman was spotted almost barking at White before putting his arms around the defender, who resisted the hug.
Things continued as White and Saliba continued to argue, with Mikel Merino appearing to act as a moderator, while Bukayo Saka and the rest of the squad migrated over.
Saliba’s feedback continued as the squad walked back to the halfway line, with Gabriel Magalhaes seen to direct his defensive partner away.
Whatever happened appeared to be resolved as Arsenal jumped straight back into the game and took three points back to N5.
Saliba’s actions proved exactly why Arsenal are so good
In any other circumstances, it would’ve been alarming to see the two players have such a heated debate on the pitch.
In this instance, it only showcases the standards that Arteta has implemented in his players, as after going 3-1 up, Saliba felt the need to remind his teammates of the expected standard.
This is a squad seeking perfection, and a group of players who aren’t afraid to call each other out when minor details need addressing.
Arteta has his players heading onto the pitch with a high standard to maintain, which is just what fans want to see with a silverware-laden season possible.
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