Garth Crooks believes William Saliba is the "pick of the bunch" among Arsenal defenders after their 1-0 win against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Gunners moved two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes' winner at Stamford Bridge. Although the Brazilian hit the headlines, Crooks believes his defensive partner Saliba deserves the plaudits.
The 21-year-old has impressed in all 13 of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures this season to leave himself in contention to be selected for France's World Cup squad. That would complete a remarkable rise for Saliba, who endured a difficult start to his Arsenal career.
"There was only one team winning this London derby and it was Arsenal," Crooks told BBC Sport. "If anyone is in any doubt about how seriously the Gunners are taking their Premier League title challenge then you only have to take a good look at the way they celebrated their victory after the game away at Chelsea.
"This was a statement if ever there was one. Saliba, Gabriel and Ben White looked as solid as a rock with Saliba looking the pick of the bunch. This kid is a must for France's World Cup squad."
Arsenal signed Saliba from Saint-Etienne in a £27million deal in July 2019 but was forced to wait three years to make his Premier League debut. He struggled to break into Mikel Arteta's squad and left many Gunners fans wondering why they had signed him.
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Saliba spent time in the reserves and on loan at ex-club Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille. It was at the latter club where he made a name for himself, playing 52 games in all competitions to win Ligue 1's prestigious Young Player of the Year award for 2021/22.
Saliba was also named in the division's Team of the Year that term and broke into France's senior squad in March. He's won seven caps to date and will now be looking forward to the World Cup in Qatar, with just one Premier League fixture left to fulfil.
His performance against Chelsea drew similar plaudits from BT Sport pundit Jermaine Jenas, who was commentating on the clash and named him as Man of the Match. "I have to give it to William Saliba because he’s really impressed me," Jenas said. "He’s commanded things from the back and been assured on the ball. He’s different class, he’s been different gear all game really."
Although it's all going well for Arsenal, Chelsea are finding it tough under Graham Potter. They've picked up just two points from their last four Premier League games to slip to seventh in the table - 13 points behind Arsenal and five adrift of Tottenham in fourth.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was your man of the match as Arsenal defeated Chelsea? Comment below.
The Blues are struggling to create chances. They managed just five shots against the Gunners on Sunday and have scored only 17 Premier League goals this season. In comparison, champions Manchester City have found the net 39 times under Pep Guardiola.
Potter succeeded Thomas Tuchel, who won the club's second European Cup, at the beginning of September. He will be under pressure to achieve success at Stamford Bridge after the club's owners invested more than £250m into the squad in the summer.
Crooks added: "Chelsea meanwhile looked tired and lacked ideas. They might be doing fine in the Champions League but finishing outside the top four isn't a good look for Chelsea. A worrying time for Graham Potter."
