William Saliba was instrumental in Arsenal nullifying Manchester City’s attack as Arsenal ended their 12-match winless run against defending Champions Manchester City.
Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected shot in the game’s dying embers was enough to give Arsenal three points. The Arsenal defense prevented Manchester City’s attack throughout the game, with The Champions registering only one shot on target.
Rio Ferdinand has praised the Arsenal center-back William Saliba’s performance against Manchester City but claimed he is not the best center-back in the Premier League.
The Frenchman’s absence towards the end of last season resulted in Arsenal losing the title to Manchester City.
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What did Rio Ferdinand say about William Saliba?
The England and Manchester United Legend said on Vibe with Five:” I have to say I watched the game, and Saliba, it’s these games where you see if the boys have got the temperament, and that counts for a lot in these big games.
“He’s cool as you like with and without the ball. I don’t think he’s been dribbled past in eight games. There was one moment I stopped the game and rewound it for me son because he plays centre back.
“I said ‘watch this’! The ball gets played, and he’s on the halfway line with Haaland. He’s giving all centre-backs sleepless nights based on what he did last season. Saliba, the last person he saw before he went to sleep wouldn’t have been his missus, it would’ve been Haaland’s face.
“Halfway line, someone plays the ball beyond the back four. As it’s being played him and Haaland are shoulder to shoulder and he just bounces him, Haaland goes over.
“Those little details, don’t put me in foot race, don’t need to, I could, but I don’t need to. He’s got little dark arts he’s introduced to his game. He seems cute around the box as well he’s calm under pressure, he’s happy to have the responsibility of hoofing the ball out at times.
“Him and Gabriel’s partnership is really blossoming I don’t think he does what he does without a good partner so you have to give Gabriel his flowers as well. He is the A-side in that partnership.”
Reacting to whether William Saliba is the best center back in the Premier League, He added:” John Stones is the best centre-half in the Premier League at the moment. Defensively, he was going back into the back four.
“John Stones, no other centre-half in the Premier League did what John Stones did last season. He could be in the arguement, he’s such a different player, he’s brought more to the position because he’s being asked to. John Stones right now he looks so composed with the authority he plays with.”
