William Gallas has criticised William Saliba and his defending for Manchester United’s second goal on Sunday evening as Arsenal’s winning start to the Premier League campaign came to an abrupt halt at Old Trafford, losing 3-1.
Arsenal came into the match having won their first five league games. But a brace from Marcus Rashford and another from new signing Antony cancelled out Bukayo Saka’s equaliser. United have now picked up four wins on the bounce.
Saliba, 21, has come straight into Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up – after a stunning loan spell with Marseille last term. He has started all six Premier League games, pushing Ben White to right-back. Gabriel is partnering the Frenchman.
With Arsenal keeping two clean sheets in their first five games, and conceding just four goals – Saliba has been praised. But Gallas has criticised the youngster for his positioning, allowing Bruno Fernandes to find the on-rushing Rashford.
Gallas has criticised Arsenal defender Saliba for defending on Sunday
What Arsenal fans must remember is that Saliba is still incredibly young. Joining Arsenal in 2019, he struggled during loans back at St. Etienne, and then Nice. But with Marseille last season, the France international was absolutely superb.
Now, he is in the Premier League – for the first time. He is adapting to a new style of football, bigger strikers, more physical challenges. Rashford’s pace in behind caused him difficulty but the only way he will learn, is from mistakes.
Saliba will now know that he needs to be face on, as Gallas says, to give him a chance of stopping Fernandes’ pass. There is room for improvement, but there is also enormous potential in Saliba. He is getting better and better.
Credit to Mikel Arteta for being brave enough to throw him into the side. And further credit, for sticking by him. Whether he can come back from what Gallas suggests is his mistake against United, remains to be seen.
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