Highlights
- William Saliba’s distinctive defensive efficiency in opposition to Man Metropolis will be instrumental for Arsenal’s possibilities in right this moment’s showdown.
- With a powerful 100% duel success charge and near-perfect passing accuracy within the reverse fixture, Saliba’s affect on the sphere can’t be missed.
- As Saliba faces a harder check with the return of Kevin De Bruyne, his composure on the ball can be key in controlling the sport for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s top-of-the-table six-pointer versus Manchester Metropolis takes place this afternoon, with a win extending the hole between the 2 golf equipment to 4 factors.
Regardless of the latest historical past being dominated by Pep Guardiola’s facet, Mikel Arteta has gotten the higher of his former colleague this season.
A win on penalties within the Neighborhood Defend set the usual for the season firstly of August, nevertheless it was the Gabriel Martinelli-inspired 1-0 victory in October that now separates the 2 groups within the desk.
The Gunners devoted can be determined to repeat that outcome, and there’s one participant particularly who can be key after starring within the reverse fixture.
William Saliba’s efficiency in opposition to Man Metropolis
There’s a purpose why Arsenal have the most effective defensive report within the Premier League this season, and it’s the truth that Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been completely unbelievable on the coronary heart of the backline.
Nonetheless, it was the French star who really stood out on the Emirates Stadium earlier this season, serving to restrict the guests to only 4 photographs all sport.
The duty of stopping Erling Haaland is usually overwhelming for probably the most skilled defenders in Europe, however Saliba was greater than up for the problem.
|
Saliba vs Man Metropolis |
|
|---|---|
|
Stats |
Saliba |
|
Clearances |
2 |
|
Tackles |
2 |
|
Duels received |
3/3 |
|
Touches |
76 |
|
Go accuracy |
99% |
|
Possession misplaced |
1 |
|
Through Sofascore |
|
As you’ll be able to see from the desk above, the 23-year-old was extraordinarily dominant, not simply in possession but additionally off the ball, making two tackles and, most significantly, successful his particular person battles, as proven by his 100% duel success charge.
Though his defending was as spectacular as at all times, it was Saliba’s means on the ball that made him arguably the most effective on the sphere, misplacing only one move all sport, dropping possession on one event, and having 76 touches.
The Night Commonplace additionally handed the defender an 8/10 ranking for his efficiency, which additional helps his affect.
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Why William Saliba should begin right this moment
This time round, an identical efficiency can be wanted as soon as once more by Saliba if his facet are to choose up the important three factors later right this moment.
Sadly, it’s anticipated that the dynamic centre-half can be in for a a lot sterner check right this moment because of the inevitable return of Kevin De Bruyne, who was injured for the primary encounter.
With the Belgian’s creativity from deeper positions, Metropolis are a much more harmful staff, with the assault turning into much less predictable, however primarily based on Saliba boasting the second-most clearances within the Arsenal squad, he can be greater than ready for the crosses into the field.
Nonetheless, the No 2 should begin to ensure that Arsenal to realize management of the sport, which can show to be extra vital than even the attacking risk.
Final outing in opposition to the Residents, Saliba solely failed with one move out of 70, which is spectacular whatever the opponent, by no means thoughts Metropolis. However that stage of composure on the ball will allow the technical gamers additional up the sphere to have extra pleasure whereas additionally stopping Metropolis from gaining momentum, which might usually occur within the blink of an eye fixed.
In reality, Saliba is assured to begin this weekend, and he might show to be a very powerful participant within the staff if he performs to the usual he’s displayed all through his earlier 28 Premier League begins this time period.
