Arsenal’s Premier League clash with league leaders Liverpool this weekend has taken on added significance following William Saliba ‘s suspension, with statistics highlighting the French defender’s crucial importance to Mikel Arteta’s side.
The impact of Saliba’s absence was starkly evident during Arsenal’s 2022/23 title challenge. During his 11-game injury layoff last season, Arsenal won just five matches and kept only two clean sheets, notably surrendering two-goal leads against Liverpool and West Ham. While their home record remained solid with four wins, one draw, and one loss, their away form suffered significantly.
The numbers paint a compelling picture of Saliba’s influence: Arsenal boast a 74% win rate and concede just 0.8 goals per game with him in the team, compared to a 45% win rate and 1.6 goals conceded without him. Gabriel Jesus emphasized this impact, noting: “When he plays, we concede few goals, when he doesn’t play, the number increases.”
Saliba’s defensive statistics this season further underline his value. He leads the Premier League in tackle success rate against dribblers at 90% and has made 21 tackle attempts, winning possession 12 times – more than any other Arsenal player. His 213 ball recoveries last season ranked eighth among all Premier League players and first among center-backs.
Arteta faces a selection dilemma for Liverpool’s visit, with Riccardo Calafiori doubtful after picking up an injury against Shakhtar Donetsk. Jakub Kiwior could step in, while the ideal scenario would see Jurrien Timber return from injury. Saliba
The stakes are high for Arsenal, who risk falling seven points behind Liverpool and suffering consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time since December 2023. Adding to their concerns, Bukayo Saka faces a late fitness test after missing recent matches.
Liverpool arrive in formidable form under new manager Arne Slot, potentially starting Darwin Nunez, who scored midweek against RB Leipzig, if Diogo Jota remains sidelined. A victory would give Liverpool their second-best start to a Premier League season, matching their points tally from their title-winning 2019-20 campaign.
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