William Saliba insists he is hungry for more following his debut in the victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Arsenal defender William Saliba claims he is hungry for success with the club following his debut against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The Frenchman scooped the Sky Sports’ man of the in their victory over the Eagles after a tough test at the Selhurst Park stadium.
The debut was a dream one for the 21-year-old, and having finally gotten Premier League football, he already can’t wait for more.
Speaking post-match, Saliba said: “It was very good because we start with a win and a clean sheet. It was a tough game, but we won at the end, so very good. I’ve waited a long time, but we (did it) in my first ever game, and I am so happy.
“It’s very good when you start to have your first (chance) in this amazing club. So I am so happy, and hungry for more.”
Arsenal defenders where troubled in the second half of the game as Patrick Vieira’s men pushed for an equalizer in the game but stood firm when Bukayo Saka forced Marc Guehi into an own goal.
Saliba was pleased that he came through his first big test in an Arsenal shirt, but was quick to spread the praise across the team for the performance that brought home a first win of the season.
“We knew it would be a very hard game, but we were prepared and we were focused,” Saliba added. “It’s good for the confidence, it’s very good and I hope we will keep going like this.
“We play as 11 and the players who came home, they gave their maximum. It’s a good team, when we play like this it’s very good.
‘We have to enjoy tonight, but beginning tomorrow we have to be focused on the next game because it’s not finished, it’s just the first game.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the debutant as he says the Frenchman has been patient.
“For William [Saliba], to ask him to come here in his first Premier League game away from home against this physical team is a big task and the way the boy played and the way he resolved every situation, he deserves a lot of credit, and I will pat his back because he was superb.
“It is his character. He’s a really humble guy and he wants to be coached and he wants to learn. He’s really focused and determined to be a success here and he’s been very patient. We’ve tried to explain and develop him in the right way and we’re really happy for him.”
