'Superb’ – William Saliba praised by Mikel Arteta after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace

Mikel Arteta has praised William Saliba’s Premier League debut as he helped Arsenal to a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the opening game of the season. Saliba was part of a back four that were forced to dig in during the second half as Crystal Palace fought hard from 1-0 down. Ad/> The 21-year-old has spent the last three seasons on loan at Saint Etienne, Nice and Marseille, but has forced his way into the starting 11.

TransfersArteta ready for more transfers but 'players are going to have the need to leave'YESTERDAY AT 18:37 “Saliba was superb,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “For his age, he is built really well. “You need the right balance.

Physicality in this league is something where you can’t come up short. If you do, you will be exposed. “It’s the same with Ben [White] to have another player in that backline who can make a difference.” /> Arteta on ‘fear’ Jesus creates Gabriel Jesus, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer, also impressed, particularly in the first half an hour, as he caused a headache for Palace up front.

Asked what Jesus will bring to the Gunners, Arteta said: “The fear factor. He’s always on your shoulder, when the ball is bouncing he has that intuition to get the ball off you and he’s never standing still “He’s always on the move and ready to act. He’s so sharp and for defenders he’s difficult to play against.” Benteke joins D.C.