Arsenal defender William Saliba delivered an impressive performance as the club secured a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The Gunners continued their perfect start to the season with a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park, but they had to show a steely defensive resolve in the second half.
Eddie Nketiah spurned two chances to find the back of the net in the first half. The deadlock was eventually broken after the striker won a clever penalty in the 51st minute.
Martin Odegaard stepped forward to convert the spot kick, but things got tougher thereafter. Takehiro Tomiyasu was sent off for a second yellow card in the 67th minute.
Palace piled the pressure on the Gunners, but they managed to hold on for the three points.
Declan Rice showed his class from midfield and made key ball recoveries. However, Saliba was our man of the match after an outstanding performance from central defence.
The Frenchman completed 61 out of his 65 passes with an accuracy of 94 per cent. He had 83 touches of the ball, making eight clearances alongside two interceptions. He won 100% of his aerial duels.
However, his most crucial impact came before the interval. The Frenchman lost possession to Jordan Ayew, but made up for it with a stunning last-man tackle in the box.
Saliba was a huge miss for the Gunners during the final two months of last season, and many Arsenal fans believe his back injury contributed to the club’s poor end to the campaign.
The Frenchman made a complete recovery before pre-season, and he looks back at his best. For the second season running, Saliba put on a show against Palace on the road.
Arsenal are currently one of just three clubs with a perfect start after the opening two games and will be eyeing another victory when Fulham visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
