Arsenal’s record with and without William Saliba

Arsenal’s reliance on William Saliba was exposed in the closing stages of the 2022/23 season.

After an injury sidelined Saliba for the final part of the campaign, Arsenal faltered in the Premier League title race, losing ground to Manchester City. Their performance was marred by draws and defeats, ultimately missing out on the chance to challenge City for the title.

Despite improvements, Arsenal’s success still heavily relies on Saliba, who, alongside Gabriel, helped solidify the team’s defense last season. Their partnership contributed to Arsenal having the best defensive record in the league.

However, the question remains: how do Arsenal fare without Saliba in the lineup?

The absence of Saliba, considered one of the best central defenders globally, significantly impacts Arsenal’s performance. The team as a whole suffers when he is not available, highlighting their dependence on his presence.

In the Premier League matches without Saliba since 2022/23, Arsenal’s win rate is only 45.5%, showcasing their struggle to secure victories without him. On the other hand, when Saliba plays, Arsenal boasts a 74% win rate in the league, demonstrating their reliance on his contributions.

Furthermore, Arsenal’s defensive performance suffers in Saliba’s absence, with an increase in goals conceded and expected goals against. They are notably less effective defensively without Saliba in the lineup.

The lack of suitable alternatives exacerbates the issue, with Gabriel struggling when paired with other defenders. The arrival of Riccardo Calafiori aims to alleviate the pressure on Saliba, but the team’s defensive stability hinges on the French defender’s presence.

Arsenal’s performance with and without William Saliba in the Premier League since 2022/23

Stats via Opta. Correct as of 26 October 2024.