Arsenal legend Martin Keown has hailed William Saliba as ‘brilliant’ following the defenders goal against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.
Saliba was only one of five that kept his place in the starting XI after Mikel Arteta made some changes for the tie. It certainly turned out to be the right call. The 21-year-old towered high above everybody else in the penalty area heading home to put the Gunners ahead.
SALIBAAA 🎶
A fantastic header from the Frenchman to put Arsenal ahead 💥#UEL pic.twitter.com/RJrqruDJrA
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 9, 2023
Arsenal were unable to pick up a win in Lisbon, but go back to the Emirates next week knowing a win will see them through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Martin Keown Saliba Comments
“Just a word on Saliba, a player that Arsenal bought three years ago, and went out on loan for three seasons. You’d be thinking ‘Am I really going to be an Arsenal player?'” Keown told BT Sport.
“This is his first season as an Arsenal player and in the first game of the season against Crystal Palace he was man of the match and he’s been brilliant ever since.
“I think he’s growing in stature, just listening to him speak and the goal he scored tonight, his performance – he’s a proper central defender. He and Gabriel make for a really good partnership, I think he’s ahead of Gabriel.
“He’s doing everything you want, there’s a hunger, taking responsibility as he wants to get into the next round. He’s given everything for the cause.
“Very composed, strong. Again he’s got the ingredient, of pace. Look at the goal, I guess Tony Adams was noted for scoring at set-pieces and he’s got in on the act again – it’s a nice habit if your head is the first to the ball in either box. It’s a really nice header, keeps it down.”
Saliba and Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend against Fulham. The Gunners will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the league, which currently stands at five points. They then return to the Emirates next Thursday, to take on Sporting in the second leg of their tie.
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