Fans are divided over the role Arsenal ace William Saliba played in Spain goals as France lose

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Arsenal star William Saliba started as France were defeated by Spain in their Euro 2024 semi-final clash in Munich.

France took an early lead through Randal Kolo Muani, but they were quickly undone by two outstanding goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo.

Saliba was lauded in the build-up to the game, as his side did not concede a single open-play goal until the semis, with the Arsenal ace thriving at the heart of the France defence.

His run came to an end as Yamal scored a long-range scorcher before Olmo ripped the France defence to shreds with an excellent touch and finish.

Rival fans have taken to X to try and pin the blame for the goals on Saliba, but Arsenal fans have leapt to his defence and highlighted that he was powerless to stop the two incredible strikes.

Arsenal fans defend William Saliba after France eliminated from Euro 2024

Arsenal fans are adamant that Saliba was not to blame for either goal, and defended the 23-year-old after some attempted to discredit him.

“Konate took France to the World Cup final, Saliba couldn’t do it in the Euros,” one Liverpool fan posted on X, with Ibrahima Konate dropping to the bench for the tournament in favour of Saliba.

“Two assists for Spain already. But doesn’t get noticed. Weak header and gave the ball away to yamal for the first goal,” another added.

Arsenal fans have now defended their defensive stalwart, highlighting how Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot were more to blame for either goal.

“France’s goals conceded so far were an Upamecano penalty, Kounde own goal, and Yamal worldie. What more can he do?” One posted.

“Anyways you can’t blame Saliba for that loss, he did his job,” another added.

“Can’t even blame Saliba for the clearance or the thin dive, Kounde and Tchouameni were ABYSMAL,” another posted.

“In terms of defending he has been the best defender, midfield just getting overrun by Spain, Rabiot non-existent, teams been bad but blame Saliba and not Rabiot who didn’t close down Yamal for the goal,” one fan pointed out.

William Saliba is not to blame for Spain’s goals against France

Both of Spain’s goals were stunning efforts. Yamal’s shot came after the ball fell to him from Saliba losing possession, but there was little Saliba could do in that moment. More importantly, Yamal’s strike was unsavable, and it is unfair to blame any defender when such sheer quality was on display.

The Olmo goal came after the Spaniard produced a magnificent bit of skill to beat Rabiot, at which point Saliba could do little to block his shot which cannoned in off Jules Kounde.

Saliba was not at the level he showed during the rest of the tournament, but France were undone by two moments of magic, as well as their own deficiencies in attack, rather than anything the Arsenal centre-back did in the game.