It’s not only Mikel Arteta who has been criticised after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Arteta has been called out for his game plan at Anfield, being accused of playing it safe with a conservative approach.
The game was lost by a freak goal, with even Arne Slot admitting the two sides couldn’t be separated.
It was, however, a day of negatives for the Gunners, not only due to the defeat, but also due to some poor performances and an injury.
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Arsenal’s medical staff called out for William Saliba injury
After just four minutes, William Saliba was forced to be substituted at Anfield, despite not being strongly challenged.
Arteta wasted no time hauling the Frenchman off the pitch, which had people wondering if the centre-back had gone into the game carrying an injury.
Despite it being a huge game, there was no need for Saliba to be risked if he was injured, as Arsenal can allow for rotations, but he was allowed to play.
It only took four minutes for Saliba’s struggles to come to light, as it was later revealed by Arteta that the 24-year-old was injured during the warm-up.
Speaking on The Athletic’s Handbrake Off podcast, Adrian Clarke admitted that he wished the medical team had been more stern pre-match.
“I do wish that maybe the medical staff could be a bit firmer and make a call,” Clarke said.
“You know, if someone’s twisted their ankle in the warm-up, yeah, chances are it’s not going to get better.”
Clarke went on to note that it wasn’t just the medical staff who might’ve made an ‘error’ with Saliba, but the player himself, too.
“So I did feel like that was an error of sorts, whether it’s from William Saliba himself. Could he be a bit more honest with himself? Ultimately, it didn’t really matter.”
Fortunately, Cristhian Mosquera impressed against Liverpool, being called into action against one of the world’s best attacks.
International break has come at the perfect time for Saliba
Saliba gave a thumbs-up after leaving Anfield, which was a relief, despite struggling to put weight on his injured ankle.
Perhaps not for Didier Deschamps, but for Arteta, the international break has come at the perfect time for the defender, who can rest ready for the Premier League to resume.
Saliba was withdrawn from France’s squad for the September international break, having been diagnosed with a sprained ankle.
Arsenal’s prized centre-back will take the time to recover, with the Gunners’ next test coming against Nottingham Forest.
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