‘Real deal’: BT Sport pundit hails Arsenal player after he left Richarlison on the ground

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Martin Keown has hailed William Saliba after the Arsenal defender continuing his fine start to the season against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners returned from the international break with a dominant performance against their bitter rivals.

Thomas Partey smashed Arsenal in front from range before Harry Kane levelled it up from the penalty spot for Tottenham.

Gabriel Jesus had Arsenal back in front before Emerson Royal’s red card effectively ended the game as a contest.

Granit Xhaka added number three for Arsenal with a fine finish, handing North London supremacy to the Gunners.

Martin Keown has hailed William Saliba

That’s now seven wins and just the one defeat from eight Premier League games this season.

Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table, one point clear of title favourites Manchester City.

It’s still a big ask for Arsenal to challenge City for the Premier League crown but Mikel Arteta’s men look to be an outstanding side this season.

Key additions like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have certainly helped Arsenal but there has also been a huge impact from William Saliba.

Defender Saliba signed for Arsenal back in the summer of 2019 having impressed with French side Saint-Etienne.

Yet after loans with Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille, Saliba only made his Premier League debut for Arsenal this season.

The results so far have been incredible with Saliba looking like an absolute natural in the heart of the Arsenal defence.

The Frenchman was outstanding once again on Saturday afternoon, recording two won tackles, three clearances, one aerial won, 68 accurate passes and even one completed dribble.

Saliba seems to be the complete package at centre back and he has now earned praise from a former Gunners ace in Martin Keown.

Keown told BT Sport (01/10, 1:10pm) that he thinks Saliba ‘looks the real deal’, reacting to an instance where he shrugged Richarlison to the ground with ease.

Keown felt that this North London derby was a real examination for Saliba but he passed with flying colours with his Premier League ascent continuing.

“He looks the real deal to me, Saliba,” said Keown. “This is an examination in these derby games and he’s coming through it with flying colours,” he added.