Pain in the Arsenal
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3 standout players in Arsenal’s North London derby triumph

By Krish Ajmani

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Thomas Partey of Arsenal celebrates with team mate Granit Xhaka after scoring their sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Thomas Partey of Arsenal celebrates with team mate Granit Xhaka after scoring their sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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1. William Saliba

William Saliba garnered widespread acclaim for his performance in the derby. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
William Saliba garnered widespread acclaim for his performance in the derby. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

The shouts have quickly gone from William Saliba being the best young centre-back to simply the best centre-back in the Premier League so far. Few can argue otherwise. Since coming in against Crystal Palace, Saliba has been a consistent performer in the back line and faced with the unique threat of the Tottenham attack, he came out on top.

Part of what is impressive about Saliba is that there are no visible weaknesses in his game. He won countless aerial duels against Spurs when they went long. He covered the channels well, tracking runners and cutting out loose passes. He took responsibility in the build-up, passing out of the back spectacularly. His surprisingly deft touch and close control allowed him to glide through Tottenham’s press before he released the ball. The Frenchman did it all.

The maturity with which he played and the calmness that emanates from him to the rest of the team is not something that can be quantified. Yet it is the most important part of his game and the reason he has been the best centre-back in the league so far this season. Long may it continue.

Arsenal remain at the top of the league with another eye-catching performance. The manner in which they defeated Tottenham handily has left fans in a jubilant state. Although there is a Europa League game in midweek, the big match is next weekend. If Arsenal play as they did on Saturday, they have a good chance of securing the win. Bring on Liverpool.

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