William Saliba mistake brutally highlighted after key moment in Arsenal’s win over Southampton

Arsenal recorded another victory as they beat Southampton 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium, but it was not a comfortable win.

The Gunners were frustrated as they failed to find the breakthrough in the first half, and they were stunned as Southampton striker Cameron Archer gave the visitors the lead at the start of the second half.

Raheem Sterling was wrestled off the ball, which was then cleared up to Archer, who drove at William Saliba before finding the bottom corner via a deflection.

Arsenal fought back to win the game through goals by Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, meaning that for most fans, memories of the Archer goal may be forgotten.

However, Mikel Arteta will not want to see his side concede in the same manner again, and when analysing the goal, Arsenal centre-back Saliba’s mistake has been highlighted.

William Saliba was at fault for Cameron Archer goal in Arsenal vs Southampton

Whilst it was a series of errors, with Sterling going down too easily, it is impossible to ignore Saliba’s role in the goal.

When Archer received the ball and started driving at the Arsenal box, the Frenchman should have engaged with him to show him wide, rather than sitting off and allowing the attacker to shoot.

This was echoed by journalist Charles Watts, who questioned Saliba’s decision-making in the move.

“I don’t quite understand Saliba’s decision-making in the moment. With the ball over the top to send Cameron Archer away, it just looked like William Saliba had that situation totally under control, and if he had just engaged with Archer when he was running to get the ball, Archer would have ended up near the corner flag somewhere,” he stated on his YouTube channel.

“But for some reason Saliba just backed off and backed off, and let Archer get his foot on the ball and then drive into the penalty area, and I just don’t quite understand why he did that.”

William Saliba is on his way to greatness

Saliba has been heavily praised in recent weeks, and the 23-year-old is now one of the best central defenders in the world.

The France International recently revealed his desire to become the best by winning major trophies, which he is yet to do with Arsenal.

“I think I’m one of the best at the moment, but to say that I have to win some titles. I think that’s what I’m missing right now,” Saliba claimed.

“If you win titles, you’re good and if you don’t, you can’t say you’re the best. That’s what I believe. I’m one of the best in the world.”

Whilst his overall performances have been very strong, it is small errors like these which Saliba will eventually need to cut out.

Archer’s goal was his first in the Premier League as he made a defender with Saliba’s quality look poor, and the Arsenal star must use this as a learning experience as he continues his development into a world-class player.