William Saliba: Page 95 - The Arsenal discussion forum and community: One More in the Tolly

William Saliba

Tam

I've no doubt we'd be better placed with Saliba in the team against City, but I think the benefit is the structure and what he offers the team more generally.

The Saliba v Holding debate conveniently ignores the fact they put three past us and Saliba didn't cover himself in glory in the reverse fixture.

HomeSteak

goon where did you read that?

goon

HomeSteak

It came from Arteta and someone posted a clip of the fall on twitter, but tbf it doesn't sound like they actually know.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leeds, Arteta said: “He [Saliba] is progressing. Unfortunately, he feels some discomfort in his back and we are trying to manage him in the best possible way. He’s not going to be fit for this game [against Leeds] but we are trying, he is trying to do everything he can to feel better and get back training, but not yet. We don’t know if it happened the previous game as he had a very awkward landing against Fulham but before that he was fine."

Don Pacifico

Sicario2 think we take the plunge and play him v City. Give him a few injections and be done with it. If he misses he rest of the season so be it. He’s a 20 year old kid, he will be back in no time for next season. No risk no reward.

What if risking him impacts his health beyond this season? I'm no expert (so happy for someone more informed to educate me) but often with these kinds of injuries, taking risks when someone's not 100% ready can make things much worse in the long-run. I wouldn't want to fuck up the long-term potential of Saliba for the sake of this run-in.

James

goon t came from Arteta and someone posted a clip of the fall on twitter, but tbf it doesn't sound like they actually know.

FEBravo

I'm also worried at throwing Saliba in directly to face Haaland. Seems like he needed a run of games after the World Cup and was quite shaky initially. Whether that was an emotional hangover (not a problem then) or if he's the type to be rusty at first (which would be a problem) is also important to consider.

Lukazan

FEBravo That would be my fear too.

But yeah, Holding vs Haaland... Nah it's not gonna be good. Maybe something like Clrnc suggests above, although there's the whole weakening two positions to solve the problem of one side of it. I would want Partey in CM against City too..

Clrnc

Holding vs Haaland is dead ripe for a complete disaster. Holding can't even handle Antonio.

I think this should be an option.

Partey White Gabriel Zinchenko

Pep switched the entire formation around in Emirates just to counter us. We need to do the same

KingslandBarge

Definitely want Saliba back for City and our chances of a winning drop markedly without him. However, it's not like Saliba hasn't been undone in moments this season; Watkins and Toney come to mind? I think he would have been tested by Antonio too but he has much more pace to get by the counter attacks.

Sicario2

KingslandBarge

At least the players won’t change their positions dramatically to protect Holding.

Saliba back would be a massive psychological lift ahead of City, would lift the players, the anti-Holding.

Claudius

KingslandBarge and Saliba struggled for a month after the World Cup as well. But his quality is there. We know defensively he has some growing to do, but we are a possession-team and he is a vital part of that approach, along with Zinchenko. These are the guys who break the press, and then when we have possession retain the ball and switch play. If we had them at 2-0 against a shit team like West Ham, I think it’s easier to shut up shop

Sicario2

Look, if Salbia is definitely out then play fucking Kiwor v Southampton to give him mins and then play him v City. He cannot be worse than Holding. Otherwise why the fuck did we sign him in Jan?

Partey will collapse after 20 mins if he plays full back, doesn’t have the legs for it.

Phil

Play Tierney instead:
Zinc Partey
Tierney Gabriel White

Burnwinter

Sicario2 It’s on him.

Very good. 👏

It's also "on him" that we recorded a fifty point half season though. Where do you give him credit for that?

Sicario2

Burnwinter

Of course he gets credit but he’s not immune from criticism if he fucks up when in a great position.

Let’s face it, he’s been found out a little in the last two games. It is what it is, I am one of Arteta’s biggest supporters on here since day 1, even when 90 percent of posters wanted him sacked. But he has managed badly last two crucial games. Let’s see if he can make up for it in the next weeks.

Burnwinter

Sicario2 Alright I'll pay that.

Clrnc

Sicario2 That's fair.

Burnwinter

Criticised him myself to that degree.

TambourineMan

If Saliba isn't back for City I think we have to rejig the defence and take a few risks. Holding will NOT work and we will lose if he starts.

Thinking we could try Trossard at RB and move White to CB. Trossard has played LWB for Brighton and has the intelligence to make it work. Fucking Bernardo Silva played LB against Saka not too long ago and it worked out fine. Good players can adjust.

We need to take a risk because there is no way we get anything from that game with Holding at CB.

lorddulaarsenal

TambourineMan not a bad shout. Nelson could also be an option at right back

Clrnc

Seeing that we only need a draw, do the tactics that won us against Citeh in the FA Cup. I understand we are a different team this year, but Holding really will not end well. That's certain.

I am afraid of changing too much for a successful team but if Pep can do it against us why cant we do the same... good teams can rejig

Coombs

Clrnc agree. I wouldn't even mind a back 5 if we are going to use Martinelli as a counter attacking outlet like we have been.

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