Arsenal star was simply as sensational as Saliba vs Man Utd

So, there we’ve got it. After 38 recreation weeks of Premier League motion the title won’t be determined till the ultimate weekend of the marketing campaign. Arsenal wanted to beat Manchester United to make that definitive and so they did, though they did journey their luck.

The Gunners have a wretched document at Previous Trafford however regardless of the gulf at school between the 2 groups this time period, might solely come away with a 1-0 victory.

Following United’s 4-0 defeat towards Crystal Palace final Monday, Mikel Arteta‘s males would have been licking their lips over dealing with Erik ten Hag’s aspect. That stated, the Dutchman tinkered along with his workforce and the Pink Devils seemed extra organised, definitely in midfield.

But, Casemiro, poor previous languid Casemiro was responsible once more. As much as the sport’s solely aim, United had coped properly, just for the Brazilian to have an unforgivable lapse in focus.

He failed to stick with his line of defense which allowed Kai Havertz in behind. The German bought to the byline and pulled the ball again for Leandro Trossard. It was a easy end, he couldn’t miss, he didn’t miss.

The Belgian’s candy run of kind – now scorer of 17 targets this season – continued to make sure that it doesn’t matter what occurs between Manchester Metropolis and Tottenham on Tuesday evening, nothing will likely be decided till subsequent Sunday night.

So, Arteta definitely has Trossard and Havertz to thank for his or her exploits in assault this weekend, however who else deserves reward? A sure William Saliba does.

William Saliba’s efficiency in numbers

Earlier this week the French centre-half was named among the many nominees for the Younger Participant of the Season award. Deservedly so, this has been an impeccable marketing campaign for a defender who has seemed like a Rolls-Royce on the again.

Associated

PFA Awards 2024: 10 favourites to win Younger Participant of the 12 months award

FFC takes a take a look at 10 gamers who may very well be within the working to win the PFA Younger Participant of the 12 months award for the 2023/24 season.

He confirmed as a lot at Previous Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Serving to to maintain Arsenal’s 11 away clear sheet within the league this time period, Saliba took house the Participant of the Match award for his disciplined show.

Why? Effectively, it was a dominating efficiency. United did not throw a lot on the Gunners however Rasmus Hojlund nonetheless proved a handful. Alejandro Garnacho was additionally energetic down the left. At one stage within the second half, the winger broke with tempo and strode into the penalty space, solely to be met by the wall of Saliba who caught out a leg and made an inch-perfect sort out.

That was one in all seven duels the Frenchman received. So good was the previous Saint-Etienne defender that he received all of these duels. That can little doubt please a beaming Arteta.

Saliba had 99 touches of the ball – probably the most of any participant on the sphere – and accomplished 76 passes at a 90% success price, once more the best variety of any participant at Previous Trafford.

That stated, let’s hand out some reward to his companion in crime as properly, Gabriel.

Gabriel’s efficiency in numbers

Whereas Saliba has been nominated for the Younger Participant of the 12 months award, it feels as if Gabriel has quite been forgotten about. He should not have; that is one other impeccable central defender proper on the prime of his recreation.

Nonetheless, the Brazilian has had his personal particular person accolade to rejoice having been known as up for Copa America this summer time, only some days in the past.

It is completely deserved for a person who has been one of many best centre-backs within the prime flight this season.

Like Saliba, he was glorious at successful duels on Sunday night, successful 100% of his floor duels and solely shedding one in all his two battles within the air.

He marshalled Hojlund with relative ease, sturdy and aggressive towards the Dane with Soccer.London’s Kaya Kaynak highlighting as such.

‘Sometimes strong show from the Brazilian. In all probability an indication of the fame he is bought that Hojlund seemed to focus on Saliba. Stayed switched on when United had the ball for lengthy durations’ wrote Kaynak, who handed the 26-year-old a 7/10 score.

Extremely composed, no participant left the sphere with a greater move competitors price than Gabriel’s 95%. He’s remarkably regular with the ball at his ft and deserves simply as a lot reward as Saliba is getting. They’re definitely the perfect pairing within the Premier League this season.