‘Outstanding’: BBC pundit blown away by £27m Arsenal ace vs. Tottenham

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Garth Crooks was amazed by William Saliba’s performance for Arsenal against Tottenham, with the defender once again putting in an impressive shift for the Gunners in the Premier League.

Writing for BBC Sport, the pundit was full of praise for the 21-year-old centre-back after Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Tottenham on Saturday, with the result taking Mikel Arteta’s side clear of the English top-flight and once again bringing the bragging rights of north London back to the red side of the city.

Saliba commanded Arsenal’s defence well, with Heung min-Son, Harry Kane and Richarlison all having quiet days at the Emirates Stadium after coming up against the Frenchman, with the defender’s reputation continuing to improve with each passing Premier League game.

Arsenal signed the 21-year-old back in 2019 for a reported £27m from Saint-Etienne according to Goal, and three loan spells later, Saliba has returned to the Gunners as one of the club’s best players this season, as well as one of the best defenders in the entire division.

Indeed, Arsenal have seemingly managed Saliba’s development to a tee, and the defender’s performance against Tottenham was one of the youngster’s best yet for the Gunners. And for Crooks, the pundit was amazed with what he saw from the 21-year-old in the North London Derby on Saturday.

Crooks said on why he included the Arsenal defender in his Premier League Team of the Week: “William Saliba is looking better with every game. His composure in his first north London derby was nothing short of outstanding.”

Saliba’s Tottenham display showed why Arsenal need to hand new deal ASAP

Saliba has been nothing short of imperious since making his debut for the Gunners this season on the opening day of the campaign against Crystal Palace, and the defender’s performance against Tottenham should be enough to push Arsenal to hand the youngster a new contract.

indeed, the centre-back’s current deal is due to expire in 2024, and with Saliba’s stock rising with each passing game, Arsenal need to tie the youngster down to a new contract to ensure his talents are not being displayed for a rival club ahead of the January transfer window.