Mikel Arteta's side, buoyed by goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, kicked off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a win for the third consecutive season, but it was Saliba's achievement that stole the limelight.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 23-year-old defender, who has become a cornerstone of Arteta's backline, set a new club record by reaching 50 Premier League victories in just 66 appearances. This remarkable feat sees Saliba outpace any other Arsenal player in achieving this milestone, highlighting his rapid impact since he moved to the Emirates Stadium.
DID YOU KNOW?
Saliba's defensive record is equally impressive, with only eight defeats and 30 clean sheets in his 66 appearances. To further put his achievement in perspective, former Arsenal players like Nacho Monreal (70), Kolo Toure (72), and Sol Campbell (73) reached the same milestone but needed significantly more games. Even Arteta himself, who now manages the club, required 77 games as a player to reach 50 Premier League victories.
Despite his remarkable achievement, Saliba's record is not the quickest to 50 Premier League wins in the competition's history. In fact, 13 players have reached this milestone faster than the Arsenal defender, with Manchester City players dominating the list. Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte lead the way, both achieving 50 wins in just 59 appearances, setting an extraordinary standard. Other notable names ahead of Saliba include Didier Drogba, who reached 50 wins in 60 games, Arjen Robben with 61, and Gabriel Jesus, Saliba’s current teammate, who accomplished the feat in 62 games.
Arsenal v Olympique Lyonnais - Pre-Season Friendly
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WHAT NEXT?
While Saliba may not hold the Premier League record, his achievement is still monumental for Arsenal. As the Gunners continue their pursuit of silverware this season, Saliba will be central to their ambitions. His ability to marshal the defence will be crucial in high-stakes matches, particularly against top-six rivals and in European competitions. He will next take the field against Aston Villa next Saturday away from home.
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