Mikel Arteta can have confidence in his aim for Arsenal to win the Premier League title following another star performance from William Saliba.
Saliba has impressed for the Gunners this season, becoming a key member of their defence. He once again partnered Gabriel at centre-back for Arsenal's trip to Chelsea on Sunday lunchtime, a game the Gunners needed to win to return to the top of the table.
The Frenchman went on to put in a man of the match performance at Stamford Bridge, helping the visitors to keep a clean sheet. That defensive display helped the Gunners claim all three points, with Gabriel heading in the only goal of the game just after the hour mark.
But it was the Brazilian's partner at the back who impressed most, being named man of the match by BT Sport commentator Jermaine Jenas. Saliba made four clearances and 13 recoveries as Chelsea's attack were kept quiet.
His performance was singled out by Jenas as the game wound down to the final whistle. As he explained his decision to name him man of the match, Jenas hailed Saliba for his commanding display.
"I have to give it to William Saliba because he’s really impressed me. He’s commanded things from the back and been assured on the ball. He’s different class, he’s been different gear all game really," Jenas told BT Sport.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was your man of the match as Arsenal defeated Chelsea? Comment below.
Arsenal boss Arteta was also full of praise for Saliba and his partner at centre-back. The Spaniard insisted that it was their performance that was crucial to the win, which has added to his hopes of leading the Gunners to the title.
"I think both of them. I think that pair again, they were outstanding, both of those," Arteta said of Saliba and Gabriel. "That’s why we sustained them really well, especially when we had to defend open spaces, which it is very difficult against these players - what we defend them to do. But I think they did it, great.
"Obviously, we wanted to get back to the top but the competition is so difficult. The job, the challenge for us was to come here against a top team in the league and the way we did it – we deserved to win the game.
"For such a young team, the maturity, the composure they showed, the resilience and courage to play how we wanted to play was phenomenal to do it against these kind of players.
"Winning in this stadium is an extra thing, another step for this team to keep believing they can do it under pressure and against big opponents. The boys are willing and physically capable of doing it, the understanding of times and spaces is getting better every day, they feel comfortable playing these type of games."
Arsenal will head into the mid-season break for the World Cup sitting at the top of the table if they defeat Wolves next week. The Gunners are two points ahead of Manchester City before the Midlands club's visit to the Emirates.
