Arsenal defender William Saliba has openly addressed the team's recurring struggles in their quest for Premier League glory, admitting the club has "always missed something" during three consecutive second-place finishes. Speaking at the PFA awards, the French center-back emphasized the need for improvement despite strong recent campaigns.
Saliba, a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta's defense since 2022, reflected on pivotal moments that derailed title challenges—including his own injury during the 2022-23 season and Manchester City's narrow triumph last year. "We know we didn't play our best football at times," he stated, referencing Arsenal'sscratchy 1-0 victory over Manchester United in their 2024-25 opener. "But winning in tough environments like Old Trafford matters, even if it's not perfect."
The 23-year-old highlighted Arsenal's summer signings as critical to overcoming past shortcomings. "New players bring fresh energy," Saliba said. "They've already strengthened us, and I believe they'll help deliver trophies." This optimism follows a transfer window where Arsenal bolstered both defense and attack to address last season's scoring droughts.
Despite early-season defensive jitters—evident in the United match—Saliba stressed the importance of grinding out results. "Goals from set-pieces or counters count just as much," he remarked. "The focus is on winning, however it comes."
However, Saliba's closing words carried a tone of urgency: "Good performances aren't enough. To truly progress, we must start lifting trophies." As Arsenal prepares for another title battle, the pressure mounts to convert promise into silverware.
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