William Saliba

Arsenal defender William Saliba won the Man of the Match award for this season's 2022/23 Premier League opener under the lights of Selhurst Park.

This was something echoed in football.london's player ratings from the affair in which the Frenchman scored an impressive 8 out of 10 with the justification: 'Such an impressive Premier League debut from the Frenchman who was assured throughout against a tricky Palace attack. Now we are exposing the player in a really difficult environment where he can be comfortable and navigate and enjoy as well." Amongst the standout performers was Premier League debutant Saliba who received Man of the Match by Sky Sports for his commanding performance in the backline for Arteta's side.

Gabriel Martinellis header and a Marc Guehi own goal earned Arsenal victory at Crystal Palace but it was the performances of William Saliba and Gabriel ...

"Crystal Palace away, that is a tough away game in the Premier League because they do throw everything at you. And so, Arteta's words in the build-up to the game proved prophetic. To shake and move things and get everyone aligned with the same idea. Now I am back and I hope we can have a good season." Seven of the starting line-up for this game were the same but it is the identities of the new additions that have helped to change the mood. It was Zinchenko's positioning that led to the opening goal. That willingness to make runs off the ball was lacking from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at times last season. He looked the real deal." He looks like he has a point to prove. It is already clear that they can help Arsenal to become a better team this time around. Subsequent defeats to Brighton and Southampton further curtailed the momentum. When the pressure came in the second half, they held on before adding a second goal.

William Saliba won Man of the Match on his Arsenal and Premier League debut in the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

"Crystal Palace away, that is a tough away game in the Premier League because they do throw everything at you. Man of the Match to mark his Arsenal debut. William Saliba is so, so special. William Saliba Debut vs Crystal Palace (MOTM)— ™ (@ArsenaIComps) pic.twitter.com/BrL6QW3hnT August 5, 2022 😍😍— Fred (@SubtleFred_) https://t.co/WvZ0pNtIF5 August 6, 2022 Crystal Palace— CF Comps (@CF_Compss) pic.twitter.com/zwMLenpfK8 August 5, 2022

William Saliba finally made his long-anticipated Arsenal debut in their Premer League opener against Crystal Palace and he didn't disappoint.

He also had a 60% success rate with long balls and made six passes into the final third. That’s a big night for him.” “He’s got football inside him, I was massively impressed by him.

The Frenchman was the Man of the Match on the opening night of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

It’s the first game, it’s important to win for the confidence. We stayed compact and it’s good for the debut Crystal Palace away is a tough game, they throw everything at you, they drive at you all the time, that’s a big night for him," Neville said after the game.