William Saliba Compilation Goes Viral: Time for an Uncomfortable Conversation?

The Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Newcastle United on Wednesday night has led to an unfortunate wave of online reactions, particularly surrounding Arsenal’s William Saliba. A viral compilation, showcasing several of Saliba’s errors in aerial duels over recent seasons, has set social media alight, sparking an intense conversation about the defender’s recent performances and the scrutiny he now faces.

Arsenal’s exit from the Carabao Cup, after a 2-0 loss in the second leg at St James’ Park, was already a tough pill to swallow. With the aggregate scoreline ending 4-0 in favor of Newcastle, the Gunners found themselves humiliated once again, following a similar result in the first leg at the Emirates. Despite having been the favorites going into the clash, Arsenal’s defense struggled to cope with the relentless pressure of Eddie Howe’s side.

In particular, Saliba’s performance came under fire. Fans and pundits alike pointed out that the Frenchman looked uncharacteristically shaky, unable to handle the aggressive nature of Newcastle’s attack. His difficulties in aerial duels were highlighted by a viral compilation shared by a Liverpool fan, which quickly spread across platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The compilation showed Saliba’s repeated losses in aerial duels against several top strikers, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie, and more recently, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

The video sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some fans rallied behind the defender, insisting that even the best players can have off nights. However, many others felt it was time to have a more difficult conversation about Saliba’s form. One fan, clearly disillusioned, wrote: “Saliba nowadays hmmm… might need to start an uncomfortable conversation.” The debate was sparked even further by another fan, who expressed how emotional they felt after what they considered to be one of the worst Saliba performances ever: “One of the worst Saliba performances I’ve ever seen. I might cry.”

The discomfort surrounding Saliba’s performance was not confined to the fans on social media. In the semi-final match, the Frenchman struggled to cope with the physical presence of Isak and the pace of Anthony Gordon. Isak, who had been linked with a move to Arsenal earlier in the transfer window, was a thorn in Saliba’s side throughout the game. Though Isak’s goal in the first half was disallowed for offside, he was still able to cause havoc, leaving Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães looking unsettled.

Gary Neville, offering commentary during the match, was quick to point out Saliba’s lack of composure in the face of Isak’s intelligent movement. “Look at him against Saliba. He thinks he has got in front and he pops it round the corner. I’ve never seen Saliba so ruffled,” Neville remarked. This statement reflected the struggles that Saliba faced against the Swedish striker, who constantly had him on the back foot. It was clear that Saliba’s confidence had been rattled by Isak’s unpredictable positioning and Gordon’s directness.

This struggle was not limited to just Isak, as Saliba also found himself in difficult situations against Gordon. The winger had a hand in Newcastle’s second goal, after a defensive miscue by David Raya. The goalkeeper’s poor pass put Declan Rice under pressure, and Gordon took advantage, finishing coolly to double Newcastle’s lead and seal Arsenal’s fate.

It’s easy to attribute a poor performance to one bad match, but the concerns surrounding Saliba go deeper than just Wednesday’s defeat. His struggles in aerial duels have become a recurring theme, with several notable instances where he has been outmuscled by physical attackers. The compilation video highlights these weaknesses, showing Saliba losing headers to a variety of strikers, some of whom are not particularly known for their aerial prowess.

Arsenal’s defense, which has been one of the standout aspects of their recent success, has come under increasing scrutiny. The team’s inability to handle the high-pressure atmosphere at St James’ Park and their poor defensive coordination has raised questions about the individual performances of key players like Saliba. This defeat has brought those concerns to the forefront, with many fans now wondering if Saliba’s form is a growing issue that could affect the Gunners’ pursuit of silverware this season.

As for Saliba, the defender himself may be experiencing a level of pressure he hasn’t had to face before. For a player who has garnered so much praise for his performances in recent seasons, the scrutiny following a high-profile loss can be overwhelming. The comparison to other top defenders in the Premier League has also intensified, as fans and analysts alike begin to question whether Saliba is truly up to the task of leading Arsenal’s defense to the next level.

In the wake of the loss, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been left to answer some tough questions. His decision to stick with Saliba and his defensive pairing with Gabriel has not been questioned before, but the recent performances, including the Carabao Cup exit, may lead to introspection. Arteta’s handling of this situation could be crucial for the future development of Saliba, who still has plenty of time to grow as a player.

Despite the criticism, it’s important to note that Saliba is still a young player with a lot of potential. His performances last season, particularly alongside Gabriel, were key to Arsenal’s title challenge. However, the pressure to maintain that level of consistency throughout the entire season is immense, and even the best players can experience dips in form. Saliba will need the support of his teammates and manager to bounce back from this challenging period.

It’s also worth considering the overall defensive strategy employed by Arteta. Arsenal’s defensive struggles were not solely the result of Saliba’s mistakes. The team as a whole failed to cope with the physicality and pace of Newcastle’s attack, which ultimately led to their downfall. While Saliba may have been directly involved in several key moments, the defensive unit’s collective performance left much to be desired.

As Arsenal regroup and look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, it will be important for Arteta to address the concerns surrounding his defense. Whether Saliba’s form improves or the club looks to make changes in the upcoming transfer windows, there’s no denying that a period of reflection is needed.

The viral Saliba compilation serves as a reminder of how quickly the narrative can shift in football. A player who was once lauded as one of the best young defenders in Europe is now facing criticism after a few poor performances. For Saliba, the challenge now is to prove that he can handle the pressure and return to his best form in an Arsenal shirt.

The uncomfortable conversation around Saliba is one that many fans feel needs to be had, but it’s equally important to remember that football is a team sport. While individual performances are critical, the collective effort of the entire team is what ultimately decides matches. If Saliba is to overcome this period of criticism, he will need the backing of his teammates, his manager, and the Arsenal fanbase.

Arsenal’s next steps are crucial, and how they manage Saliba’s development over the coming months could shape their fortunes for the remainder of the season. It’s clear that the defender has the talent to become one of the Premier League’s finest, but only time will tell if he can weather this storm and come out stronger on the other side.

As for the fans, the viral compilation has sparked important discussions, but the real test will be how Arsenal respond to the pressure and whether Saliba can once again rise to the challenge.