Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that part of his message to defensive star William Saliba was to play with freedom in the Crystal Palace win as Jamie Carragher delivers verdict on Premier League debut.
The Gunners kicked off 2022/23 on the right foot this time around, unlike last season, as Mikel Arteta's side enacted revenge on Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace with a 2-0 victory on opening night at Selhurst Park. Gabriel Martinelli's first half-headed effort was followed up late in the second by Bukayo Saka's deflected goal as Arsenal produced the perfect response to the 3-0 defeat last time out in south London.
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. 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. Rarely forced into last ditch defending because of his excellent positioning, but pulled it off sublimely when needed. 8.'
