Despite Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup third round, William Saliba emerged as one of the standout performers for the Gunners. The team entered the match with hopes of bouncing back from consecutive Premier League losses. During the first half, Arsenal dominated proceedings but struggled to convert their chances into goals. In the second half, the game became more evenly matched, and unfortunately, an own goal by Jakub Kiwior broke the deadlock in favor of Liverpool. As Arsenal pushed for an equalizer in stoppage time, Luis Diaz sealed Liverpool’s victory with a powerful strike.

While Arsenal’s attacking players were disappointing in front of goal and wasted several clear-cut opportunities, there were still some positives to take from the match. Martin Odegaard was lively in the number 10 role, creating four key passes throughout the 90 minutes.

However, it was Saliba who stood out as the best player for Arsenal. The 22-year-old defender had a solid performance, making six clearances and two tackles. He showcased composure and confidence in his defensive duties, winning 88 percent of his passes and displaying comfort on the ball with 76 touches.

Although Saliba’s individual form is encouraging for Arsenal fans, the ultimate result is what matters. Mikel Arteta must find a solution to reignite the team’s attacking prowess. While Arsenal has been creating scoring opportunities, they have struggled to capitalize on them, and this issue needs to be addressed promptly.

Arsenal’s next Premier League match is scheduled for January 20 against Crystal Palace. Anything less than a victory in that game could raise serious doubts about their title prospects.