Arsenal gave the impression of being a force to be reckoned with and they have not flattered to deceive as they defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 with Gabriel Martinelli and fan favourite Bukayo Saka finding the net in the Premier League curtain raiser. It was surely a great start to their season as they played really well and things worked out pretty nicely for Mikel Arteta and his men.
There were plenty of players who stood out in the first win but most people felt that French centre back William Saliba had a fantastic debut as he kept the Palace forwards in check and did not allow them much space to work with in the final third.
Saliba’s performance was heavily acknowledged by the Arsenal fans and even former England legend Alan Shearer felt that he had a daunting presence in the box and will be a huge player for Arsenal in the upcoming matches and also in years to come.
After the win, Saliba shared his thoughts on his long awaited debut and feelings to start for Arsenal and top it off with a fine win over Crystal Palace. “It was very good because we start with a win and a clean sheet. It was a tough game, but we won at the end, so very good. I’ve waited a long time, but we (did it) in my first ever game, and I am so happy,” he told the club’s official website.
“It’s very good when you start to have your first (chance) in this amazing club. So I am so happy, and hungry for more,” he added.
The young French was up to the task right from the kickoff whistle and did not allow any space to the Crystal Palace forwards despite their constant attack after Arsenal took the 1-0 lead. Saliba held the backline tight and was scintillating the way he defended and finally brought home the clean sheet.
He shared how the team knew that it was going to be a very hard game as they start their Premier League campaign and curtain raisers are always tough. But the Gunners were up to the task and played like a team and came home with all three points. “We knew it would be a very hard game, but we were prepared and we were focused. It’s good for the confidence, it’s very good and I hope we will keep going like this. We play as 11 and the players who came home, they gave their maximum. It’s a good team, when we play like this it’s very good.
Arsenal missed out on Champions League football last season only by a whisker as fierce rivals Tottenham leapfrogged them right at the end of the season. But the Gunners are hoping to bounce back and with Mikel Arteta incorporating his style of play and making new signings things may start to fall in place for the North London outfit this summer.
