WILLIAM SALIBA’S poor display against Brentford saw the Arsenal defender set an unwanted Premier League record.
The Frenchman, 21, failed to win any of his 10 aerial duels against the Bees on Saturday afternoon as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates.
ReutersWilliam Saliba found it incredibly tough against Brentford striker Ivan Toney[/caption]
The stats show just how difficult Saliba’s afternoon was at the Emirates
According to WhoScored, that is the most aerial duels a player has contested without winning one in a Premier League match this season.
And it typified a difficult day for the Gunners centre-back.
The statistics show Saliba was well off the pace in many areas as Arsenal were frustrated by Thomas Frank’s superb Brentford side.
The defender lost 13 of his 14 duels during the match as Ivan Toney manhandled him for much of the game.
He also failed to make a single tackle and was dispossessed on one occasion.
But it was the woeful aerial duels record that left him open to criticism from football fans.
Reacting on social media, one person said: “Toney is such a bully. Completely embarrassed Saliba every time they had a duel today.”
Another added: “Saliba and Gabriel need to start winning some duels and Arsenal will be fine. They’re losing everything at the moment.”
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While a raging Arsenal fan said: “Saliba was f***ing garbage again.”
Arsenal’s draw with Brentford means they have picked up just one point from their last two games following the defeat to Everton.
And it means a win for Manchester City at home to Aston Villa on Sunday would move them to within three points of the league leaders.
Arsenal host Pep Guardiola’s side in a mouth-watering clash at the Emirates on Wednesday evening.