Saliba had a tough night at the officeSaliba had a tough night at the office
Saliba had a tough night at the office | AFP via Getty Images
One Arsenal star has come in for criticism after suffering defeat with his national side on Thursday night.
One Arsenal star was far from his best for his nation on Thursday night, competing in the Nations League quarter-final first legs. While Mikel Merino was producing heroics for Spain, William Saliba and France were struggling against Croatia, losing their first leg 2-0.
Croatia scored twice in the first half, and it could have been three with Andrej Kramaric missing a penalty before any of the goals had been scored.
Arsenal star Saliba started the game alongside Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konata, although the latter was substituted by Dayot Upamecano at half-time. It was a performance to forget for France, and it leaves them with a lot to do if they want to progress to the semi-finals, needing to overcome the two-goal deficit back at home.
French media outlet L’Equipe were highly critical of the France back-line after the game, and Saliba was referenced in the criticism. They wrote: “The French defense was as unusually nervous as ever. Eliminated from the Champions League and beaten in the League Cup final by Liverpool, Konaté continued his nightmare by being fouled on the penalty spot and covering up Perisic for the opening cross.
“Deschamps took him off at halftime, but he could also have done without Koundé or Saliba, who were completely overwhelmed by Croatia's technique, symbolized by the astonishing mastery of Luka Modric and the reign of the local midfield. The Vatreni, highly motivated by the idea of winning their first title, have therefore won their last two matches against Les Bleus (after the one in June 2022, 1-0). They will have the opportunity to reach the Nations League Final Four on Sunday at the Stade de France.”
Saliba has been a steady performer for Arsenal this season, but he and his French teammates need to rediscover their form quickly if they want to book a spot in the Nations League semi-finals.
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