Arsenal Football Club returns from the international break sitting proudly at the summit of the Premier League, with key defender William Saliba enhancing his reputation with a stellar performance for France.
Gunners Lead the Pack
Mikel Arteta's side are four points clear at the top of the table after the first 11 fixtures of the new campaign. Having lost only once, the North London outfit have made a formidable start in their quest to dethrone rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool.
Their last outing before the break was a 2-2 draw away at Sunderland. The team's focus now shifts to a monumental clash next weekend: a North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.
Saliba's International Class on Show
While the club season paused, Arsenal's international stars were in action. Defender William Saliba, a cornerstone for both club and country, was instrumental in France's 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine in a World Cup qualifying match.
Saliba played the full 90 minutes, helping his national team secure a clean sheet and a vital three points. His performance was particularly notable as he was selected to start ahead of Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté.
French media outlet Foot Mercato praised the Arsenal man's "crucial" role, describing his display as "reassuring" and highlighting that he was "never troubled and solid in the air." They awarded him a rating of 6.5/10.
Similarly, Sud Ouest commended his "completely controlled performance," noting he was "never troubled in duels" and made a vital intervention in the 74th minute to snuff out a rare Ukrainian attack.
Calafiori's Absence for Italy
In other international news, Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori was not in the Italy squad for their 2-0 win over Moldova. Despite the victory, Italy's chances of automatic qualification for the World Cup are now extremely slim due to an inferior goal difference compared to Norway.
Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso recently highlighted Calafiori's value, emphasising his versatility. "He's a smart player; he can play anywhere. Left-back, centre-back, central midfielder. He can do anything," Gattuso stated.
The 23-year-old defender, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2024, has adapted well to English football, making 41 appearances and scoring four goals.
As the Premier League resumes, Arsenal will be relying on the strength of their entire squad, including their internationally proven defenders, to maintain their lead at the top.
