Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United was a far cry from some of their other thrashings this season, but it was a job well done from Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners secured their second away league victory at Old Trafford in the last 18 years, with Leandro Trossard scoring the only goal of the game.
Arsenal were far from their best level going forward, but were still very secure defensively as they hardly conceded any chances to the hosts, and William Saliba was named as the player of the match for his display.
The Frenchman has been outstanding alongside his defensive partner Gabriel Magalhaes this season, and his display at Old Trafford has now been hailed by Premier League legend Alan Shearer.
Alan Shearer praises William Saliba for performance in Arsenal win at Man Utd
In his Premier League Team of the Week selections, Shearer chose Saliba and praised the composure he showed at Old Trafford.
“Nothing got past him. He was solid once again, providing a calm aura at the back to keep another clean sheet,” Shearer explained.
Saliba was an imperious figure, and one moment particularly stood out as he intercepted a threatening dribble from Alejandro Garnacho, and he continued to show why he is now one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
William Saliba’s outstanding display helped Arsenal beat Man Utd
Saliba was unbeatable, winning all four of his attempted ground duels and all three aerial battles he engaged in, as United’s attackers could not find a way past him.
The £27m signing also completed 90% of his passes, highlighting his composure on the ball, and his display also saw him make 10 clearances, as well as the last-man tackle on Garnacho.
Despite Arsenal’s performance being somewhat underwhelming overall, they restricted United to just six shots all game, with two of these on target, and neither remotely threatening to David Raya.
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United’s low xG total of 0.19 emphasised how little they were able to create against Arsenal’s back four even when the visitors were struggling for possession, and Saliba’s combination of calmness, as well as his strength and intelligence, proved vital again.
Arsenal will now take the title race to the final game of the season, but even if they do not win the Premier League, they have shown that they are able to compete at the very top level.