Date: 16th August 2022 at 5:00am
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Mikel Arteta has appreciated the fans for the support the team and William Saliba received after scoring an unfortunate own goal against Leicester City

THE LOWDOWN: UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT

William Saliba had an unforgettable evening in front of the Arsenal supporters in his first competitive game at the Emirates on Saturday. The Frenchman had wowed the fans in preseason games against Premier League sides like Everton and Chelsea during the US tour and has been tipped for more great things with the side.

The 21-year-old never looked out of place and played with so much confidence at the heart of the defence in his first competitive game at Crystal Palace. He eventually picked up the man of the match award after the game at Selhurst Park.

Fast forward to Saturday against Leicester City, Saliba turned the ball into his team’s net while trying to deny the Foxes a goal-scoring opportunity. Arsenal responded almost immediately through Granit Xhaka after Gabriel Jesus had already grabbed a brace in the first half. In the end, the Gunners won 4-2 to preserve their 100% start to the Premier League season.

THE LATEST: MANAGER’S BACKING

In his post-match reaction after the game on Saturday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted that the fans’ reaction to Saliba’s own goal is one he has never seen before and went on to praise them for their support in the game.

Arteta said: “I’m really happy with the performance, the victory, the three points and with the way we played. I think it was a really good football match against a really good opponent and it was just a joy to play in front of this crowd.

“I think the crowd was special, especially after Saliba’s own goal. The way they reacted was something I’ve never seen in football; the amount of support and connection they are showing with us, and especially with William, lifted the team straight away. I have to thank them so much for that.

“From the first minute, they were electric. You feel like they are totally with us, totally engaged and it is so energising for the team. The boys keep talking about it – they can’t wait to play in front of this crowd, and it’s making a huge difference.”

THE VERDICT: NO CAUSE FOR ALARM

Situations like this will always come for a defender and should not trouble Saliba or any of the fans now. Apart from that incident, Saliba was still strong in the game as he made two interceptions, five clearances and completed 86.8% of his passes.

The aura around Saliba tends towards the positive at the moment, so we can only hope he gets better with each passing game.

 

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