'It was really painful...': William Saliba on Arsenal slipping up in title race last season
William Saliba
Arsenal defender William Saliba has revealed it was "really painful"to watch his team lose out on the Premier League title after he suffered an injury that forced him to sit out the business end of the league last season.
Saliba, regarded as the next big defender of his generation, often drawing comparisons to Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk for similar playing styles, was the mainstay for his side throughout the title run. However, his absence had a catastrophic effect on the team's performance as Arsenal slippedfrom the number one spot.
“Of course, it was really painful because I watched my team play every game, the most important of the season, and I was not able to play. Of course, it hurt me. Of course, I could have helped my team to maybe win the Premier League but we never know," said Saliba.
"It was a good experience because we were first for all the season and at the end we finished second. Every game is so important, we try to win every game to win the league. Injuries are part of football and hopefully I won’t be injured.”
Arsenal's defensive record without Saliba
In the 27 league games that Saliba started, he helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet in 11 of them. Post his injury the London-based team could only keep two clean sheets in nine games as Manchester City came from behind to secure a third consecutive title.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco
)
World's largest digital camera captures over 500,000 galaxies, 50,000 stars in one stunning image
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Muslims should not befriend kaafirs': Pak Army DG says India-Afghan ties that of 'master-slave'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
)
Pakistan Broad Peak avalanche: Body of US's Mallory Geis identified; Nirmal Purja, 9 others remain missing
)
5.3-magnitude earthquake jolts Egypt; scary tremors caught on camera | WATCH
)
Iran says Oman talks on new Strait of Hormuz transit route near completion
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
Spain-Israel social media feud erupts after Ceuta migrant crisis: Why Israel is being linked
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
'FIR not withdrawn' against Noida teen who 'abused' PM Modi despite apology, claims CJP
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
CJP's Abhijit Dipke speaks to protesting students in Jharkhand, extends support to their demands: Will he go to Ranchi?
)
‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance
)
Kangana Ranaut’s Gen Z U-Turn: Actress-MP wishes youth on Friendship Day after facing backlash over 'Generation Gutter' remark
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Nick Jonas' July photo dump featuring Priyanka Chopra and Malti Marie leaves fans gushing over family bond
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
Fact Check: Viral photo shows Trump leaning in for a kiss with Brigitte Macron. Here is the full truth
)
'Living Nostradamus' warns of a new war, claims two of his 2026 predictions have come true
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
One S-400 battery, dozens of targets: How it fights an air battle in seconds
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
)
From trash to energy: Scientists turn plastic waste into Hydrogen fuel using a new technique - Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
Saliba's statement comes days ahead of his side's all-important tie against City. The Gunners currently have the wood on City, having beaten them once already this season, winning the Community Shield via penalties, after scoring at the death to equalise the game.
The match on the weekend, scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium will be an opportunity for Arsenal to pip their rivals and go top of the table.
Currently, City are at the top of the table, having won six games and lost one. Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the third spot and remain only the second team to have an unbeaten record so far. However, they will be coming into the contest after suffering a shock 1-2 defeat against Ligue 1 side Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday (October 3).
The last time City visited the Emirates, Arsenal had to endure a harrowing 3-1 defeat after Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalising on an error from Takehiro Tomiyasu.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE: