Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has raised concerns over William Saliba’s recent dip in form ahead of the Gunners’ crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
The North London side booked their place in the last four of the competition with a stunning 5-1 aggregate victory over defending champions Real Madrid, prompting excitement among supporters that this could finally be the year Arsenal clinch European glory. However, Keown believes warning signs are beginning to show — particularly in the performances of star centre-back Saliba.
The French international, usually a pillar of composure in Mikel Arteta’s defence, was at fault for Vinicius Junior’s equaliser at the Bernabeu last week. He followed that up with another costly lapse in concentration during Arsenal’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace, failing to deal with a loose ball before Jean-Philippe Mateta’s chipped finish salvaged a point for the visitors.
READ MORE: Roy Keane makes bold Champions League prediction involving Arsenal and Barcelona
Speaking in his post-match analysis, Keown pointed to a worrying trend in Saliba’s play. “I think Saliba, if I’m working with him, [I’m saying], ‘don’t switch off’,” Keown said, as quoted by Metro.
William Saliba was again at fault for Crystal Palace’s equaliser, having made a similar mistake against Real Madrid (Image credit: Getty Images)“In the game against Real Madrid, the goalkeeper rolled it out to him just after they scored, and it’s as if he hasn’t got a picture — he wasn’t alert. It’s twice now that’s happened in successive games — he just needs to sharpen up.”
Keown suggested that Arsenal’s recent tendency to cruise through matches may be contributing to the drop in intensity.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“I think it’s crept in because of the sloppiness with Arsenal just trying to see out games,” he added. “Tonight was a victory in not getting injuries, because there’s a huge game coming up, and I think when you’re just down from 100 per cent, you make mistakes.”
With their focus seemingly shifting toward European competition, Arsenal will need to tighten up defensively if they are to overcome a dangerous PSG side that has already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa on their path to the semi-finals.
The first leg of the semi-final takes place next Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium, where Arteta will be hoping for a sharper performance — especially at the back — as the Gunners aim for their first Champions League final since 2006.
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal star has already decided to leave this summer
