William Saliba insists it’s easy to perform well in this Arsenal team, following his Player of the Match display against Manchester United.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2023. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Though Arsenal defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday, the Gunners weren’t necessarily on top form throughout the match.

Mikel Arteta’s side had the better chances, but perhaps would have wanted to press their advantage more, especially given the current importance of goal difference and Manchester United’s list of absentees.

Yet the first priority was simply to win the game, and they did so in large part thanks to William Saliba’s excellent performance at the back.

LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2023. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2023. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Saliba made six clearances, four tackles (including one last-man tackle), and one shot block, winning all seven of his individual duels and completing 90% of his passes.

Manchester United’s main threat came through their wingers, but whenever one of them got past their man, they found Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes waiting to stop them. Whenever they put a cross in, Saliba and Gabriel were ready to head it away.

Speaking after the game, Saliba admitted the game was difficult, but it’s easy for him to perform well with the teammates he has.

“It wasn’t easy today because it’s a good team and it’s really hard to come and take the three points here,” Saliba began.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 08: William Saliba and Gabriel of Arsenal celebrate following their sides victory after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on October 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba and Gabriel of Arsenal celebrate following their sides victory after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on October 08, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

“We suffered a lot. We didn’t play [as] well as always, but when we are not at our best, we have to stay strong.

“I think it’s not only the defence, it’s everyone, the midfield and the attackers. We defend all together and we have to be happy to keep a clean sheet because it’s not every time they don’t score here.

“I’m proud because I played well today, and because of my teammates as well. They helped me every time, so it’s easy to perform in this team.

“From there, I want to keep going, I want to keep performing and keep progressing, and I will do my best.”

Arsenal eyes will now turn to Manchester City’s game in hand against Tottenham Hotspur, but regardless of the result in that game, the title race will go to the final day.