William Saliba has been widely criticized following Arsenal’s Carabao Cup exit, with a viral compilation highlighting his defensive struggles. The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the second leg of their semi-final, sealing a 4-0 aggregate loss.
Saliba’s Defensive Struggles Go Viral
Arsenal’s defense, particularly Saliba, faced scrutiny after the match, with fans and pundits pointing out his troubles in aerial duels and difficulty containing Newcastle’s attackers. A two-minute viral clip posted by a Liverpool fan on X showcased Saliba losing aerial battles to top forwards, including Erling Haaland, Rasmus Højlund, and Luis Díaz.
During Wednesday’s match, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon repeatedly unsettled Saliba, with Neville remarking, “I have never seen Saliba so ruffled.” Despite Isak’s early goal being ruled offside, his movement continuously troubled the Arsenal center-back.
Fans React: “Worst Saliba Performance Ever”
Arsenal fans expressed their disappointment online:
“Saliba nowadays… might need to start an uncomfortable conversation.”
“One of the worst Saliba performances I’ve ever seen. I might cry.”
“Hands down the worst game I have ever seen Saliba play. Pressure can make anyone look like this.”
What This Means for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s side now faces questions over their defensive solidity, with Saliba’s form under the spotlight. With the Premier League and Champions League still on the line, can he bounce back from this rough spell?