“Even here, in England, they think it’s the farmers league” - Arsenal star William Saliba speaks out on Ligue 1 clubs not getting credit they deserve
William Saliba spoke about the quality of Ligue 1 following Arsenal's 3-0 win against Monaco in the Champions League at the Emirates on Wednesday (December 11). Although the scoreline may make it seem like a fairly comfortable victory, the French team made a game of it in the second half.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 34th minute, but the north Londoners couldn't double their lead before the break. Following the interval, Monaco dominated proceedings until the Gunners managed to score again through the aforementioned England international in the 78th minute.
Speaking after the game's conclusion, Saliba told Canal+ (via Get Football News France):
“I’m glad. I saw Brest and PSG winning yesterday (on Tuesday) and Lille won too. That feels good because some people don’t respect us. Even here, in England, they think it’s the farmers’ league."
It was seemingly a good week for the Ligue 1 teams in the Champions League. Brest registered a 1-0 win against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday (December 10), while Paris Saint-Germain comprehensively defeated Salzburg the same day (3-0). On Wednesday, Lille secured a 3-2 win at home against Strum Graz.
Saliba himself has spent sufficient time in France's top-tier competition, representing multiple sides like Marseille and Nice. Overall, the central defender has made 84 appearances in this competition.
Now, he will be focused on ensuring Arsenal finish their Champions League group stage campaign with an automatic qualification slot. With two games remaining, the Gunners are third in the standings, five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta comments on Bukayo Saka's performances after Arsenal v Monaco
Mikel Arteta said he wasn't surprised to see Bukayo Saka impact Arsenal's latest win over Monaco in the Champions League. The winger added two more goals and an assist to his tally for the season in his previous game.
His first strike was a simple tap-in at the far post, while his second was a close-ranged effort that fell to him as a result of a defensive error. Speaking after the game, Arteta said (via the club's official website):
"Well, he keeps surprising us, but that's what he wants to do, that’s the quality he has, that’s the ambition that he’s acting and preparing himself for every single day. So, I’m not surprised, but it’s very difficult to do what he’s doing."
Saka has now scored nine goals and bagged 12 assists in 21 appearances across competitions this campaign. He will be expected to start Arsenal's next match against Everton on Saturday (December 14).