Ian Wright has dubbed William Saliba as ‘elite’ after the Arsenal defender played a key role in Bukayo Saka scoring early at home to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
The Gunners enjoyed a blistering first-half display as elite UEFA nights returned to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Saka (8’), Leandro Trossard (20’) and Gabriel Jesus (38’) hit home to hand Mikel Arteta’s side a comfortable lead as they dictated the meeting in north London.
It had been six, long years since Arsenal last appeared in the Champions League in March 2017. Yet Saka ensured a rain-drenched Emirates Stadium faithful were treated from the off. The 22-year-old stayed alert to react first as Walter Benitez parried Martin Odegaard’s shot.
Saka scores as Arsenal return to the Champions League
PSV left Sergino Dest exposed at left-back against Saka as Peter Bosz’s side left the USMNT international to defend one-on-one. It proved a huge error for the Eredivisie leaders as Saka ran at Dest repeatedly after enjoying success from their first exchanges near the corner flag.
Saka produced an early burst toward the box to tee up Odegaard’s hit from which he would score in the eighth minute. The England winger welcomed the opportunity to run at the left-back and attacked the space in behind to drill the ball in once Benitez pushed the ball wide.
Wright praises Saliba’s role in Saka’s goal vs PSV Eindhoven
Wednesday also marked Saka’s debut on the Champions League stage having only made his Arsenal debut in November 2018. He first played under Unai Emery at only 17 years and two months old in the Europa League. Yet he has since played 186 times across all competitions.
Yet it was another Champions League debutant, Saliba, whose role in Saka’s goal left Arsenal legend Wright waxing lyrical. The Gunners’ iconic centre-forward loved the way the 22-year-old centre-half began the move from which Saka secured the north Londoners an early lead.
“William Saliba!!!!!!!!!!!!” Wright exclaimed on X. “Watch the full build up!!! ELITE!!”
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