According to The Sun, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will hand William Saliba his first-ever start in the Premier League tonight against Crystal Palace.
The Gunners kickstart the new campaign with a London derby at Selhurst Park later today. Mikel Arteta will know how difficult this game will be after watching his side lose 3-0 in the same fixture just four months ago.
Things, however, are very different for Arsenal now. They are full of energy after a fantastic pre-season, and their new signings have given fans a lot of hope ahead of the start of the new campaign.
One player who feels like a new signing even though he isn’t is 21-year-old Saliba.
William Saliba will start for Arsenal against Crystal Palace
Arsenal splashed £27 million to sign Saliba from Saint-Etienne back in 2019 (Goal). He has been out on loan on three separate occasions since, and he impressed in every one of those spells.
As good as Saliba has been, Arsenal fans haven’t ever seen him in a competitive game in the famous red and white. Arteta just wasn’t convinced that he was ready, but things seem to have changed now.
Saliba, branded as extraordinary, was one of Arsenal’s stars in pre-season. He was almost flawless in every game that he played, and he’s now set to be rewarded for his performances.
The report claims that Saliba will make his first ever start for Arsenal in the Premier League against Crystal Palace tonight.
Even though Saliba hasn’t ever played for the Gunners in a competitive game before, he’s a fan favourite. Arsenal supporters have been desperate to see him play in the Premier League, and they could finally get their wish tonight.
The 21-year-old’s performances in pre-season were outstanding. He didn’t look fazed on a single occasion – not even against Champions League sides like Chelsea and Sevilla.
He completely deserves to keep his place in the side, but the Premier League is a big step up compared to a pre-season friendly, and it will be interesting to see how he fares.
