William Saliba delivered another imperious display for Arsenal in their well-deserved 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates on Tuesday evening.
Arsenal essentially won the game in the first half and were then able to rest assured that the likes of Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya could deliver another clean sheet.
Mikel Arteta has completely changed the culture at Arsenal since he joined in 2019, the Gunners now think about their defensive shape first and foremost.
Bukayo Saka admitted in an interview after the game that he’d love to play the game further forward without so much defensive work, but the winger was similarly happy to help his teammates in every way possible.
And with Saka and Kai Havertz both capable of producing a match-winning moment week in, week out, Arsenal’s recipe for success is certainly a sustainable one.
William Saliba celebrates Jurrien Timber’s first half display vs PSG
That being said, Jurrien Timber also produced a remarkable display during his 45 minutes in the first half on Tuesday.
Unfortunately, the £34m Dutchman had to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior at half time as a precaution, Arteta mentioned after the game that he had a slight muscle complaint
But when he was on the pitch, Timber was dominating all of his duels, demonstrating a physicality to his game which is an added bonus to his ability on the ball.
Essentially, Timber keeps proving why he’s a serious upgrade on Oleksandr Zinchenko, who’s now fallen down the pecking order whilst out injured.
That being said, Timber took to Instagram to celebrate his first Champions League appearance at the Emirates after the game – something which Saliba enjoyed.
Timber posted four photos alongside a caption of: “First Champions League night at the Emirates.”
Saliba replied to the post by simply saying “Big boss” – evidently impressed by his defensive partner.
In truth, Arsenal won at a canter in the second half against PSG, a sign of how far they’ve come as a club.
The Gunners surrendered a 2-0 lead against Leicester City last weekend, something they were determined to put right against tougher opposition.
That being said, Thierry Henry reserved special praise for Arsenal’s attack after their impressive win against the French Champions.
In particular, Henry praised Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz who combined for the Gunners’ first goal.
In the absence of Martin Odegaard because of injury, Trossard has really stepped up, a player who is invaluable to Arteta right now.
