William Saliba has just achieved something that no Arsenal player has ever done before

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Arsenal recorded an excellent victory over Liverpool on Sunday, which was record-breaking for all the right reasons.

Mikel Arteta’s side were utterly dominant in what was a huge game in the Premier League title race, and recorded the highest expected goals (xG) Liverpool had ever faced in the competition.

Arsenal were outstanding throughout the game, except for one moment just before half time where they somehow conceded an equaliser after a mix-up between William Saliba and David Raya saw the ball ricochet off Gabriel Magalhaes and go in.

It was an unfortunate error from Saliba, which followed his poor header which led to Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal in Tuesday’s victory over Nottingham Forest. However, despite this uncharacteristic mistake, the win over Liverpool saw the 22-year-old make Arsenal history.

William Saliba makes Arsenal history vs Liverpool

It has now emerged that Saliba has the most victories in his first 50 league starts than any other player in Arsenal’s entire history, even before the Premier League’s inception.

The France International has recorded 36 wins, seven draws and seven defeats in his first 50 Premier League games, with the Liverpool victory placing him top of the pile.

Invincibles Lauren, Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure all recorded 35 wins in their first 50, whilst Aaron Ramsdale has also recorded 35, but with 11 defeats and just four draws, with his landmark appearance coming against Brighton on New Years’ Eve in 2022.

Ben White is just behind on 34, level with Nacho Monreal, Ray Kennedy and Jens Lehmann.

The only other current player in the top 17 is Martin Odegaard, with 32 wins from his first 50.

Saliba has transformed Arsenal since his arrival

Although Mikel Arteta’s side performed well in the second half of the 2021-22 season, helping White and Ramsdale reach a strong position in this list, Saliba joining the squad at the start of the last campaign had a transformative effect.

Arsenal now have the statistically-best defence in the Premier League, and are now incredibly tough to break down without calamitous errors as seen on Sunday.

Saliba’s calming presence at the back makes him one of the most important players in the team, and the fact that he is clear at number one in this list which includes several Arsenal legends, highlights just how lucky Arsenal are to have him in the squad, and on a long-term contract, with the defender signing fresh terms in the summer.