BBC sports pundit Chris Sutton has suggested that Arsenal star William Saliba is no longer performing at the world-class level that made him the rock of Mikel Arteta’s backline.
The comments were made during a tense Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP.
Sutton insisted the 25-year-old Frenchman’s individual aura and credibility were beginning to flicker in the high-stakes 2025/26 season.
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Chris Sutton says William Saliba is no longer the same player
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton expressed concern about Saliba’s recent form, noting that since his return from injury the authoritative presence that once defined him has diminished.
“William Saliba has played well at the back since he joined the team, but he is not the player he used to be,” Sutton said.
“Arsenal were very disappointing in the final third, but defensively they lacked the ‘clockwork’ precision we’ve seen. Strangely, Noni Madueke didn’t have the confidence to get past Maxi Araujo, but that has more to do with their combination play from the back. It should be seamless, but it’s not the case right now.”
Sutton’s criticism highlights a growing sense of frustration as Arsenal go through a make-or-break week.
Saliba and Gabriel: one of the best defensive pairs?
Over the past two seasons, the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has been statistically recognized as the most formidable duo in the country.
But recent lapses, including the defensive miscommunication that led to Bournemouth’s win, have raised questions about whether fatigue is building.
Despite Sutton’s harsh assessment, Saliba remains a key element in Arsenal’s side chasing a historic double.
With captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka sidelined with injuries, Saliba’s responsibility to anchor the team is greater than ever.
