Forget Raya, 99-touch star was Arsenal’s unsung hero vs Sporting – Read Arsenal F.C.

At a Glance:

• Arsenal scored a 91st minute winner away at Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
• David Raya won the man of the match award for his excellent performance.
• However, another Arsenal star deserves credit for his display.

Arsenal snatched a 1-0 win away at Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday night in Lisbon, and David Raya is rightly garnering plaudits for his contribution to Mikel Arteta’s side’s victory.

The clash at the Jose Alvalade stadium was cagey for long periods, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. However, in the dying embers, Gabriel Martinelli drove inside, clipped a delightful pass into Kai Havertz, who slotted beyond Rui Silva to send the Gunners’ away end into raptures.

Raya was the standout performer for Arsenal, making a handful of outstanding saves to preserve the North Londoners’ clean sheet. That said, there was arguably an even greater performer for the Gunners on the day, whose display isn’t getting the recognition it deserves.

William Saliba was outstanding in Sporting vs Arsenal

While Raya produced the most eye-catching Arsenal moments in Lisbon, aside from Havertz’s winner, there were several outfield players who produced steady performances that merit credit – none more so than William Saliba.

The Frenchman was deployed next to his usual partner in crime, Gabriel Magalhaes, although he also had a rusty Ben White on the outside of him. Sporting targeted White’s side throughout, persistently launching long balls down Arsenal’s right. Rui Borges had clearly identified that this was an area of weakness for the Gunners, and he looked to exploit it.

However, Saliba’s imperious athleticism and outstanding ability to read the game meant that Sporting were only able to get so much joy from this avenue of attack. The 25-year-old was flawless defensively throughout, making key interventions at pivotal times.

On the ball, he was Arsenal’s technical leader. Starting attacks with cute line-breaking passes and manoeuvring out of tight spaces with his immaculate close control, he was the heartbeat of the Gunners’ build-up.

While many players were laborious in possession, Saliba’s passing had a pace and urgency to it, which indicated that he wasn’t content emerging from Portugal with just a draw.

William Saliba statistics vs Sporting

Not only did Saliba sparkle on the eye test, but the data also reflects how excellent he was.

The defender managed 99 touches, more than anyone else on the pitch, whilst he also completed 96% of his 92 attempted passes. He was constantly on the ball in deep areas, dictating Arsenal’s build-up patterns.

Defensively, he made six contributions and dominated in the air. Nothing got past him.

This was an inspired Saliba performance, with the France international clearly looking reenergised after enjoying a two-week rest over the international break. He’s essential to Arsenal.