“76 touches, 88% passes accuracy, 6 clearances and some nice tackles as well, he doesn’t deserve to lose”- Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp heaps plenty of praises on Arsenal’s 22 years old Rolls Royce player who was the best player against Liverpool last night and doesn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
In the recent FA Cup match against Liverpool, Arsenal faced a 2-0 defeat; however, amidst the disappointment, notable performances emerged, with William Saliba shining as a positive highlight.
Despite Arsenal’s entry into the game with consecutive losses in the Premier League, optimism lingered for a positive response. The initial half was largely controlled by the team, yet missed chances hindered their scoring endeavors.
The second half unfolded as a more evenly matched contest, yet an unfortunate own goal by Jakub Kiwior handed Liverpool the lead. In stoppage time, Luis Diaz sealed Liverpool’s triumph with a formidable shot.
Despite Arsenal’s struggles in converting chances in the final third, there were encouraging aspects. Martin Odegaard, deployed in the number 10 role, exhibited liveliness and orchestrated four key passes.
However, the standout performer of the match was William Saliba, showcasing a robust defensive display with six clearances and two tackles. His passing accuracy of 88% underscored his comfort in defensive responsibilities.
While Saliba’s individual form brought satisfaction to Gunners fans, the overall outcome remains pivotal. Mikel Arteta faces the task of addressing the team’s challenges in attack, given their ability to create goal-scoring opportunities without capitalizing on them.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace on January 20 looms large. Anything short of a victory in that fixture could instigate serious doubts about their title aspirations.
