Arsenal battled to a 0-0 draw away at Manchester City, in a game which saw them secure a hard-fought point to stay above their title rivals in the table.
Mikel Arteta’s side stifled the hosts of chances, with Erling Haaland failing to break the barrier of Arsenal’s back line, as Man City failed to score at home in the league for the first time since October 2021.
Arsenal’s defence was outstanding, with Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice particularly impressive, and Saliba has now been singled out for further praise by Premier League legend Alan Shearer.
Alan Shearer praises William Saliba following Arsenal draw at Man City
Shearer named Saliba in his Premier League Team of the Week, and highlighted the role he played at the back for Arsenal.
“An imperious display from the Arsenal centre-back as he helped his side to a big point at the Etihad,” Shearer claimed of Saliba.
Saliba was awarded the player of the match award on the day following his outstanding performance, but whilst the 23-year-old was excellent, some have argued that his partner Gabriel deserved the award for the way he physically handled the threat of Haaland.
How good was William Saliba against Manchester City?
Saliba was excellent at the back as Arsenal put up a strong defensive display, and reduced Man City to just one shot on target, which came from a tame header from a set-piece.
The Frenchman’s composure on the ball was vital in a game where Arsenal did sometimes panic in possession, launching it long and conceding possession rather than trying to play in their own way.
Nothing got past Saliba, as he won all six of his attempted ground duels, whilst he did not give away a single foul.
William Saliba key stats against Man City
- Passes – 25/33 (76%)
- Accurate long balls – 2/4
- Tackles won – 2/3
- Ground duels won – 6/6
- Aerial duels won – 2/4
- Clearances – 5
- Recoveries – 8
- Fouls drawn – 2
- Fouls – 0
It was another remarkable performance in what has been a top-class campaign from Saliba. In huge games away at Liverpool and Man City, he was awarded the player of the match on both occasions, and is performing at the very highest level.
Arsenal arguably have the best defence in European football right now, and Saliba’s composure alongside Gabriel’s aggression have created a near-perfect partnership at centre-back.
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