As ever, William Saliba delivered another brilliant performance for Arsenal when Paris Saint-Germain came to visit in the Champions League.
Arsenal were 2-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium, essentially getting the job done in a vibrant first half attacking performance.
Thereafter, Mikel Arteta’s side were content to defend their lead, assured in the knowledge that they had Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the back.
Arsenal’s defensive work now underlines all of the club’s success – Arteta has completely changed the club’s culture in that regard.
And with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka capable of producing a winning moment in any game, Arsenal are certainly well set for success.
That being said, French media, who have often criticised Saliba whilst playing for his country in recent years, have now shared their verdict on the centre-back’s display on Tuesday evening.
William Saliba ‘reigned supreme’ in Arsenal’s dominant win over PSG
Maxifoot handed Saliba a 6.5/10 for his efforts, a rating many Arsenal fans may consider to be harsh.
But when you consider that the outlet scored PSG’s best player, Joao Neves, at 5/10, it tells the story.
READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs PSG, Mikel Merino debut verdict as one player a standout 9/10
Maxifoot were more complementary in their write up, saying: “Arsenal’s central defender lived up to this European meeting. With [Jurrien] Timber, the French international perfectly controlled Parisian attempts in his zone.
“On several occasions, he disgusted Barcola by imposing himself thanks to his obvious physical dominance. We also appreciated his restarts (passing) and his long game.”
On their part, Footmercato handed Saliba a 7/10 rating, scoring him among Arsenal’s best performers.
They wrote: “He didn’t have much to do, but he did everything well. Always so calm, the former Marseille player had no trouble containing a lonely Desire Doue who was overwhelmed by the event.
“He intervened perfectly in front of Randal Kolo Muani (74th), who had come on a few minutes earlier, and gave his team breathing space, which had been under pressure since the return from the locker room.
“Imperial from one end of the match to the other, the Frenchman reigned supreme over the [other] Gunners defenders.”
Jurrien Timber also impresses before coming off injured
In the first half, other than Arsenal’s goalscorers, Jurrien Timber was arguably the best player on the pitch alongside his other full-back, Riccardo Calafiori.
Timber was excellent physically and showed his usual composure with the ball at his feet – an imperious display.
That being said, the Dutchman was replaced at half-time by Jakub Kiwior because of a fitness concern.
Arteta provided an update on Timber’s injury – one that is hopefully a precaution rather than anything that will see the full-back miss a game or two.
Arsenal face Southampton at the Emirates in their final game before the upcoming international break.
And Arsenal fans have been discussing Aaron Ramsdale’s return to the club ahead of the meeting.
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