The Gunners defender William Saliba in a strong performance as his side ran out a 2-0 winner against Crystal Palace.
What did William Saliba say?
The French footballer has put on an impressive performance in his first senior appearance for the club and the player admits he has been waiting a long time for his chance to shine in the PL. William has been one of the top performers since the Gunners started the 2022-23 season 2-0 against Crystal Palace on Friday night. William joined Arsenal in 2019 but had to start spells on loan at Saint Etienne, Nice and Marseille before earning the trust of manager Mikel Arteta and being welcomed into the fold this season.
The French player started in the Gunners from XI along with Gabriel in the heart of the defense at Selhurst Park. It was his girlish first team showing for north London and he was delighted to finally get his chance. William Saliba said they knew it was going to be tough here, but they were strong and solid. According to the Frenchman, he has been waiting a long time to make his debut, and he is happy to start with a clean slate and win. Saliba says it’s important for confidence.
Mikel talks about William Saliba
William Saliba, who was a key figure for Marseille in Ligue 1 last season before returning to England, made quite an impression on his head coach with his performance against Palace. Mikel Arteta said of him that William was great tonight. The way they started the game and played in the first half hour was great – they should have scored more.
According to Arteta, they had to play the game the way they didn’t want to because Palace is in a position to do it with them. To win here, you have to suffer – they did it and it’s part of the mentality they want to build, come to places like this and win.
The Spanish coach added during his post-match press conference that they don’t see much that at 21 years old for a PL debut against this opponent, where they face difficult players and handle the situation the way he did it with such composure, with that calmness and with that presence. Such a great merit to the boy.