Arsenal’s William Saliba Proved He’s Best in the World vs Chelsea

Declan Rice was one of the standout performers in Arsenal‘s 3-2 win over Chelsea on Wednesday but his teammate grabbed plenty of plaudits after impressing at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners took advantage in the tie but the Blues kept the tie alive thanks to Alejandro Garnacho’s brace off the bench.

Robert Sanchez was the villain of the piece, poor goalkeeping from the Spaniard allowed Mikel Arteta’s men to take a two-nil lead. Ben White headed home a seventh mintue opener before Viktor Gyokeres found the back of the net from close range in the 49th minute.

Garnacho gave his side signs of life when he struck in the 57th minute but Martin Zubimendi grabbed a third in the 71st minute. The Premier League leaders should have put the tie to bed but Liam Rosenior’s decision to bring Garnacho was the right one as he hit a second in the 83rd minute.

Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal: Saliba Shows His Worth

Arteta has the best defence in England and Gabriel Magalhaes has been the standout performer this season, putting in colossal performances at the back. But tonight it was his defensive partner, William Saliba, who reminded fans just how talented he is both defensively and going forward.

The French centre-back rarely put a foot wrong, winning four of six ground duels, making two clearances and as many recoveries. He was calm in possession and played his part in the Gunners taking one step towards Wembley.

If Arteta’s men are to end the season with a major trophy, especially the Premier League, he will be relying on the likes of Saliba to continue putting in such important performances. His partnership with Gabriel is becoming one of the best English fans have seen in the top-flight.

Arsenal Fans Think ‘Generational’ Saliba Stole The Show

It’s become the norm for the likes of Rice and Gabriel to impress. But many pointed out that Saliba is continuing to show why he is among the best young defensive talents in the world.

The Frenchman is still only 24 but feels like he’s been part of the North Londoners’ defence throughout Arteta’s reign. He came in for huge praise from supporters who feel he deserves even more credit than he already receives.

Another went as far as to call him the best in the world after his Stamford Bridge outing: “I thought Saliba was almost perfect before but he improved massively This is the best defender in the world!!!”

A Middlesbrough fan was wowed by the France international: “Saliba is genuinely incredible. He plays like a Boro midfielder/attacker and I’m certain it has nothing to do with coaching.”

Gabriel’s world class form seems to have many believing the St-Etienne man is going under the radar: “How have people underrated Saliba this much lol, he is an incredible footballer.”

This was echoed by another fan: “Saliba is the best CB in the world, criminally underrated and underappreciated.”

There might be one or two debates among the Emirates faithful over their central defenders and one fan is in the Frenchman’s corner: “Saliba is the best in the world. Should be general consensus by now.”

Arteta will be pleased to see Saliba still catching the eye in a season when Gabriel has been the Premier League’s best defender. His side will want to keep the winning momentum going when they travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday (January 17th) in the league.