William Saliba made an impressive start to his Arsenal career against Crystal Palace on the opening day.
The 21-year-old made some crucial blocks, interceptions and looked comfortable in possession on his Gunners debut as they earned a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park. However, the Frenchman scored a comical own-goal to hand Leicester a lifeline in Arsenal's second game of the campaign on Saturday.
A long, hopeful ball from Jonny Evans was flicked on by James Justin into the path of Jamie Vardy, but with Aaron Ramsdale coming out to collect, Saliba headed the ball beyond his goalkeeper and into the back of the net. It did not influence the end result, however, as Arsenal ran out 4-2 winners to make it six points from a possible six.
Gabriel Jesus scored two and assisted another two for Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli, while James Maddison also found the net for the Foxes, who remain without a win from their opening two games. But the Gunners were excellent throughout and could have scored more on another day.
Although Saliba was at fault for Leicester's first goal, he received a warm reception from the Emirates faithful - something that has not usually been the case when a player makes a mistake over the years. Arsene Wenger tried to create that mentality surrounding young players during his time in charge.
Arsenal have always had a distinct identity with regards to their style of play and Arteta has tried to pick up what Wenger created during his 22 years at the helm. Wenger claimed that he did not mind if a young player made a mistake, as they will end up learning from it.
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The iconic former boss said: "When you are manager, you have to stand up and you pay the education of young players with points. I know that I play a 20-year-old centre-back, I know he will cost me points in the season, and I have to stand up for that.
"If I play a 28-year-old, maybe less talented, he will cost me fewer points, but I will not give a chance to a young player. And at some stage, as a manager, I must say that sometimes, you feel lonely to stand up there and say that 'no, I want this boy to play, because he deserves it'.
"But just to deserve it, I know as well that he will make mistakes. But you learn your job at around 23, 24, and then you have a player. Until 23, they will be up and down."
Just as his forebear admitted, Mikel Arteta knows Saliba will not always be man of the match, and there will be some hiccups to his development. But, crucially, he understands that the youngster will learn from his mistakes, benefiting him on his journey to becoming an Arsenal stalwart.
