Garth Crooks has suggested that Arsenal would not have beaten Tottenham in the north London derby had it not been for one certain player.

The Gunners endured one of their most stressful games of the season to date with a nervy 3-2 win against Spurs, with three goals in the second-half enough to secure a huge three points in the race for the Premier League title.

With the win keeping Arsenal top and confirming once again that the Gunners will finish the season above Tottenham in the standings, the result will go down as one of the most important if Mikel Arteta’s side do go on to life the English championship.

And Crooks has said the win would not have been possible without one player.

William Saliba showered with praise as Arsenal beat Tottenham in north London derby

Writing for BBC Sport, Crooks lauded William Saliba for his ‘special effort’ in keeping Arsenal’s defence stuck together as both David Raya and Declan Rice caused rare errors that led to Tottenham getting back into the match.

Although Saliba had to win the just one aerial all match, it was another titanic performance from the £27m signing from Saint-Etienne, with the 23-year-old again showing why he’s one of the best centre-backs in world football.

“It is no coincidence Arsenal are challenging Manchester City for the title and William Saliba has not missed a game all season.

“Although Arsenal conceded two goals against Spurs in the north London derby it took a special effort to come away with a victory. Saliba held his nerve when it appeared that Gabriel and, uncharacteristically, Declan Rice, in particular, seemed to wobble.”

Saliba staying fit has been influential in the Premier League title race

Arsenal can pin their collapse last season in the Premier League title race down to two key factors; a lack of experience in such a situation and injuries to key players, with Saliba a part of that latter category.

The French defender has this season played every minute in the Premier League, and the results speak for themselves, with Arsenal conceding the fewest goals in the division with Saliba making experienced attackers in the division look like children.

Indeed, Saliba’s fitness has been huge in Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title, and the defender deserves all of the praise having helped the Gunners get this far alongside Manchester City.

Related Topics