‘Brilliant’ Arsenal player stuns BBC pundit in 2-0 Sevilla win

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Arsenal defender William Saliba stunned BBC Sport pundit Matt Upson with his last-ditch tackle to deny Sevilla left-back Adria Pedrosa a chance to score on Wednesday.

The Gunners beat Los Nervionenses 2-0 in the Champions League to extend their lead atop Group B. Goals from Leandro Trossard (29’) and Bukayo Saka (64’) in either half gifted Mikel Arteta’s team the three points. While Saliba guaranteed Pedrosa could not drag Sevilla level.

A rare opening in the Arsenal half left Pedrosa with a clear sight of David Raya’s goal late in the first half. Sevilla rarely threatened the Emirates Stadium natives but broke with pace as half-time neared. Yet Saliba timed his late challenge to perfection to just nip the ball away.

Saliba stuns Upson as Arsenal beat Sevilla 2-0

Saliba had to get the ball as any contact with Pedrosa could have seen the Arsenal defender get a red card. But the 22-year-old chased the left-back down and squeezed the challenge through at the last. It was a crucial tackle to prevent Pedrosa from having a chance to score.

The France ace just getting back in time to make the tackle was one thing. But Saliba further impressed Upson with the precision of the challenge to ensure Arsenal remained 1-0 ahead against Sevilla. Pedrosa scoring may have given his La Liga side the momentum to battle.

“It was a brilliant recovery tackle from Saliba,” the ex-England star told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I didn’t think he’d get there. It would have been a clear foul but he just got a toe on the ball.”

Pedrosa was the latest victim of Saliba’s brilliance

Saliba is continually showcasing his immense importance to Arsenal and his tackle to thwart Sevilla’s Pedrosa adds to his showreel. The Champions League tie was the 10-cap talent’s 16th appearance from 18 games this term. He did not appear in their two Carabao Cup ties.

Arteta has started Saliba in each of Arsenal’s 11 Premier League matches yet, plus their four Champions League games. He will hope the Frenchman can remain a mainstay with the level of his performances, too. Losing Saliba to an injury may ruin their season, just like last term.