Arsenal star William Saliba singled out for criticism by Thierry Henry following defeat to Lens
William Saliba’s defending during Arsenal’s Champions League loss to RC Lens has drawn criticism from Thierry Henry.
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Early on on Wednesday night, Gabriel Jesus gave the Gunners the lead, but goals from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi clinched a 2-1 victory, and the Gunners suffered their first loss of the year.
When Manchester City visited the Emirates on Sunday, Mikel Arteta witnessed Bukayo Saka being taken off the field due to an injury.
Wahi continually caused problems for the Arsenal defense, and 11 minutes after Jesus’ brilliant opening goal, he provided the assist for Thomasson’s superb equalizer.
A precise victory was brought home by the 20-year-old 20 minutes into the game. Henry, a former Arsenal player, praised Wahi’s movement in great detail.
The former France international, however, was unimpressed with Saliba’s efforts and said that the back failed to follow the Lens striker into the penalty area.
Henry told CBS Sports, “Elye, he is extraordinary when it comes to that (finishing).
Let’s talk about how he avoided Saliba first and foremost. You see, there’s no need to risk breaking your neck since Saliba will get to the ball first. Instead, position yourself well between the two lines like Wahi does because he can finish so expertly.
“Can we discuss Saliba? No goals are ever scored in the area. Could you please check the location of your striker? Never once did he consider where his No. 9 is.
There, only the No. 9 can score. He does not look. to see what Wahi does, he never looks! He never looks! You have to check your shoulder.’
Arsenal’s focus now shifts to City on Sunday with Arteta facing a nervous wait to learn whether Saka will be available.
The 22-year-old has now failed to finish his last three matches after pulling up clutching his thigh and coming off after just 34 minutes on Tuesday.
‘It was an action, a backheel, and he felt something in this specific action. It was nothing else. Obviously he wasn’t comfortable to continue.