Gabriel Jesus Admits Wheels Came Off Arsenal’s Title Bid After William Saliba Injury
Arsenal’s Premier League title bid last season came to a grinding halt when William Saliba suffered a back injury, according to Gabriel Jesus. The France international had been a key figure in the Gunners’ defence, forming an impressive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes. However, Saliba was ruled out for the run-in after he strained his back in a Europa League defeat against Sporting Lisbon in March.
Rob Holding initially took Saliba’s place but struggled in the games against Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester City in which Arsenal dropped vital points. January recruit Jakub Kiwior showed promise when he eventually replaced Holding, but by then the damage had already been done.
Jesus, who was ruled out for three months after he damaged his knee at the World Cup, admits that Saliba has become an essential part of Mikel Arteta’s emerging side. ‘When he plays, we concede few goals, when he doesn’t play, the number (goals conceded) increases,’ he said.
Saliba returned to pre-season training this week and is expected to sign a new long-term contract before the club embarks on its tour of America where they are due to play games against Manchester United, MLS All Stars and Barcelona.
Arsenal’s Defensive Woes Without Saliba
Arsenal had coped admirably prior to Saliba’s setback in the absence of Jesus, but the Brazil international admits that the young Frenchman has become an essential part of the Gunners’ defence. Rob Holding initially took Saliba’s place but struggled in the games against Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester City in which Arsenal dropped vital points. January recruit Jakub Kiwior showed promise when he eventually replaced Holding, but by then the damage had already been done.
The stats show that Arsenal concede a lot less goals when Saliba is playing. Jesus said: ‘When I got injured, Eddie replaced me very well. Then we signed Leo (Trossard). We kept the pace. But when Saliba got injured, it was complicated. The other defenders are good, but we were playing in a certain way. Look at the stats we concede a lot less with him.’
Saliba’s Return to Pre-Season Training
Saliba returned to pre-season training this week and is expected to sign a new long-term contract before the club embarks on its tour of America where they are due to play games against Manchester United, MLS All Stars and Barcelona.
The 22-year-old is expected to form an impressive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal’s defence this season and his return could be a major boost for the Gunners as they look to challenge for a top four finish.
Conclusion
Gabriel Jesus has admitted that Arsenal’s Premier League title bid last season came to a grinding halt when William Saliba suffered a back injury. The France international had been a key figure in the Gunners’ defence and his absence was felt as Arsenal dropped vital points against Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester City.
Saliba returned to pre-season training this week and is expected to sign a new long-term contract before the club embarks on its tour of America. The 22-year-old is expected to form an impressive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal’s defence this season and his return could be a major boost for the Gunners as they look to challenge for a top four finish.