Pain in the Arsenal
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4 standout Arsenal players from emphatic Champions League victory

By William Upton

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Martin Oedegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Martin Oedegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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4. William Saliba

How good is William Saliba?

The French defender was absolutely exquisite on his Champions League bow. With a very aggressive Arsenal press, Saliba was left with a lot of space to cover, but you wouldn’t have guessed it watching him play.

He won every single one of his duels, dominated in the air and played with such swagger and confidence that I couldn’t help but laugh while watching the game. How can a 22-year-old play with such poise and control in defence and play so comfortably on the ball?

His highlight came in the second half. Running back as the last man, it looked as if he’d miscontrolled the ball and let a PSV attacker in. Instead, he got the ball under control, turned and then dribbled past an onrushing opponent with a beautiful piece of skill. It was a wonderful showcase of who Saliba is as a player and believe me, it doesn’t get better than this young centre-back.

It is harsh not to include goal scorer and assister Leandro Trossard, but I think these four players were a cut above on the night despite a brilliant performance from the Belgian. Hopefully, he carries that form into the North London Derby on Sunday.

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