Andy Townsend has given his verdict on the mistake that Arsenal defender William Saliba made against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
The former Chelsea player has said that he was surprised by Saliba’s actions.
So, what has Andy Townsend said about William Saliba? Let’s take a look.
Criticism of Arsenal defender William Saliba vs Liverpool
Well, Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in North London in the Premier League on Sunday evening.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were the goalscorers for Arsenal. Gary Neville was particularly impressed by Saka and Martinelli.
Liverpool’s only goal of the match came in the third minute of first-half injury time when Gabriel put the ball into the back of his own net.
It was not the Brazilian defender’s fault. William Saliba should have done better.
The £27 million (Sky Spo France international centre-back was trying to shield a through-ball back to Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya despite being under pressure from Luis Diaz.
Diaz did not give up and toe-poked the ball. It hit Gabriel’s hand and went in.
Former Chelsea player Andy Townsend was following the match, and the Premier League pundit could not believe what Saliba was trying to do.
Townsend said on Premier League Productions: “Saliba is trying to protect it for the goalkeeper to come and get it.
“Put your foot through it, he had the chance to kick it away. It hits Gabriel’s hand and goes in. Totally unnecessary, I’m really surprised at Saliba there.”
My View: William Saliba will learn from his mistake vs Liverpool
In my opinion, Arsenal defender William Saliba will learn from the mistake that he made against Liverpool.
Saliba was probably trying to be too clever. I think that the defender, who is rated highly, should have just kicked the ball away.
Perhaps the communication between Saliba and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya should have been better.
Arsenal played well against Liverpool, and I think that the Gunners deservedly picked up all three points from the Premier League game.