Once again this season, Arsenal colossus William Saliba is proving why he is one of the best centre-backs in the world.
Saliba’s rock-solid partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes is the key reason why Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded the joint-least number of goals (one) in the Premier League this campaign.
However, the Frenchman and the Gunners’ defence’s resolve will truly be tested when they face Manchester City on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s men have scored the most goals (11) in the league this season.
In the past two meetings between both sides, Arsenal have not conceded a single goal against City.
However, the Sky Blues will be fired up to right their wrongs from last season, especially as the contest is at the Etihad Stadium.
Saliba names the Man City player who he finds a real test to face
The English juggernaut failed to well and truly impose themselves in both games.
City will be keen on getting the all-important three points against Arsenal but considering the timing of the clash, it cannot be considered a title-decider yet.
But whichever team wins could gain a massive psychological edge over the other.
The Premier League winners could extend their gap over Arsenal by five points while the visitors could make a real statement by winning at the Etihad Stadium.
With a few days left before both sides lock horns with each other, Saliba was quizzed about what it is like to play against Erling Haaland.
The French international told Fox Sports: “He is a great player. One of the best in the world. It is difficult to play against him but last season, we gave everything to stop him from scoring and he didn’t succeed.”
All eyes will be on Erling Haaland vs William Saliba at the Etihad Stadium
The battle that the world will have its sights set on ahead of and during the game is between Haaland and Saliba.
The £51 million man has struggled when facing the former AS Saint-Etienne defender.
Saliba tends to go touch-tight on Haaland and has managed to ensure he has not got on the scoresheet in two of his three outings in the Premier League against him.
However, the Norwegian international is in frightening form and he will have a point to prove against Arsenal.
Haaland will be looking to come out on top in the much-awaited battle against arguably the most in-form centre-back in the world.
Whether the 24-year-old manages to silence his detractors after Sunday’s clash will be interesting to see.
