Arsenal’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday evening has sparked significant discussion, especially surrounding the performance of one of their key players, William Saliba. The match, which took place at the iconic San Siro, was marred by a controversial penalty call in the first half. Mikel Merino was penalized for a handball, despite being only a yard away from the delivery, which led to Hakan Calhanoglu’s successful penalty. However, there were also moments of frustration for the Gunners as they felt a penalty shout of their own was unjustly ignored.
As the game unfolded, Arsenal struggled to find an equalizer, despite having the majority of possession and shots on goal. However, one of the most talked-about moments came in the 50th minute when William Saliba missed a golden opportunity to level the score. After a set-piece, the French defender found himself unmarked and had a clear header at goal from just eight yards out. To the dismay of fans and pundits alike, Saliba sent the ball wide of the post.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson was particularly critical of the miss, describing it as a “horrible miss.” On *Soccer Special*, Merson said that the opportunity was a huge letdown for the Gunners, especially considering the pressure Inter Milan was under at the time. “Arsenal are suffocating them right now. Inter are struggling,” Merson noted, adding that the miss felt like a turning point in the match. Meanwhile, journalist Zinny Boswell also weighed in, suggesting that Saliba wasn’t fully prepared for such a prime chance, leaving many to wonder if the pressure of the moment had affected his focus.
Despite this glaring miss, it’s worth noting that Saliba’s overall performance in the match was solid. The French centre-back played a crucial role in Arsenal’s defensive efforts, making three clearances, one block, and one tackle. He also impressed with his passing, completing 66 of his 70 attempts, which equates to a near-perfect 94 percent pass accuracy. Additionally, Saliba’s contributions in the air and on the ground helped keep Inter’s attacking players at bay, with five of his six long balls reaching their intended target.
Though Saliba’s mistake was a major talking point, his solid overall performance has not gone unnoticed. Football.london awarded him a 7 out of 10 rating for his efforts, praising his resilience and ability to contain Inter’s attackers like Taremi and Lautaro Martinez. As Arsenal prepares for their next Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday, Saliba will undoubtedly be hoping to bounce back from this frustrating defeat and deliver a more composed performance.
Arsenal’s loss in Milan may have been tough to swallow, but the Gunners will look to recover quickly as they face Chelsea in their final match before the international break. This upcoming game offers an opportunity to make amends and get back on track in their quest for a strong Premier League finish. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, with Saliba’s next move sure to be under the microscope.