Mikel Arteta Reveals Why William Saliba Was Substituted in Arsenal Win Over Palace

William Saliba injury forces half-time substitution as Mikel Arteta prioritizes player fitness in Arsenal win over Crystal Palace.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that he substituted William Saliba at half-time due to injury during the club’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The decision surprised many fans and pundits, but Arteta clarified that he made the move as a precaution.

Saliba left the pitch after picking up a knock in the first half. Arteta explained that the French defender couldn’t continue, so he reshuffled the defense.

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“The first one was Willy, he was out from a knock that he took. And Ricci too,” Arteta told reporters.

Cristhian Mosquera replaced Saliba and helped Arsenal maintain their defensive shape as they protected a narrow lead secured by Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal.

Injury Worries for Arsenal

The match added to Arsenal’s growing injury concerns. Alongside Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice also picked up knocks. Rice’s issue may involve his calf or Achilles, although further evaluation is needed.

Gabriel Martinelli reportedly felt discomfort as well, raising questions about squad fitness ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Solid Defensive Performance

Despite the injuries, Arsenal’s defense remained strong. Mosquera’s introduction did not disrupt the team’s rhythm, and the backline successfully kept Crystal Palace from scoring in the second half.

The win extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points, reinforcing their title ambitions.

Fans will be watching closely for updates on Saliba’s condition. With several key players nursing injuries, Arteta may need to rotate his squad or rely on bench depth to maintain momentum in the title race.

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