Arsenal defender William Saliba has set his sights on an unbeaten conclusion to the 2023/24 season. Following an impressive 3-0 victory over AS Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Saliba is determined to help ensure the Gunners finish the campaign without suffering a single defeat, particularly at their home ground, the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal‘s home form has been nothing short of exceptional this season, as they remain unbeaten in front of their own fans across all competitions. Saliba’s strong performances have been central to the team’s impressive defensive displays, and the French centre-back is now aiming to keep that record intact for the remainder of the season.
Unbeaten Home Form Sets the Tone for Saliba’s Ambition
Arsenal’s home record this season has been a major source of pride for both players and fans alike. Of the 11 matches played at the Emirates Stadium across various competitions, the Gunners have won nine and drawn two — against Brighton and Liverpool. This remarkable form means that they have not lost a single match at home since a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in mid-April. That loss remains their only home defeat in their last 22 matches at the Emirates, making the stadium a fortress for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Saliba, who has been a standout performer at the back, has made it clear that he and his teammates have one goal in mind: to maintain that unbeaten run for the remainder of the season. After the Monaco win, Saliba reflected on the Gunners’ strong start to the season and shared his aspirations with TNT Sports: “When we start the season, we want to win trophies. And, of course, we are unbeaten at home this season, we have to keep going like that. Let’s continue like that, I hope we will be unbeaten until the end of the season.”
Saliba’s optimism is in line with Arsenal‘s ambitions, as they are targeting both domestic and European glory this season. The defender’s confidence stems from the team’s solid defensive structure and their attacking prowess, both of which have contributed to their strong position in the league and Europe.
Mikel Arteta’s More Cautious Approach
While Saliba’s ambition for an unbeaten season is clear, manager Mikel Arteta took a slightly more cautious approach when discussing Arsenal‘s Champions League campaign after their victory over Monaco. Arsenal currently sit third in their group, well-placed to qualify automatically for the knockout stages of the tournament. Arteta acknowledged that the team is in a good position but stressed that there is still much work to be done.
“I think it will depend on the rest of the results,” Arteta said when asked about Arsenal’s qualification chances. “We are in a good position and we need to get the job done, and there’s still a lot to do.”
Despite Arteta’s pragmatism, he was still disappointed with his team’s inability to convert more chances during the Monaco match. Arsenal could have easily scored a few more goals in the first half, and Arteta highlighted the importance of goal difference in what is shaping up to be a tight group. The manager’s focus on finishing the job and securing their place in the round of 16 was clear, but he also acknowledged the need for improvement in their finishing.
Saliba’s Unyielding Focus on an Invincible Season
Arsenal’s unbeaten home run has played a pivotal role in their success this season, and Saliba’s leadership in defence has been key to maintaining that record. The French defender, who joined the Gunners from Saint-Étienne in 2019, has grown into one of the Premier League’s most accomplished centre-backs, with his physicality, intelligence, and composure on the ball making him a crucial part of Arsenal’s defensive setup.
Saliba’s desire for an invincible season reflects his personal ambitions and the collective goals of the squad. Arsenal’s defensive record this season is among the best in the league, and the centre-back has formed an impressive partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of the Gunners’ defence. Alongside full-backs Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko, Saliba has helped Arsenal keep things tight at the back, allowing them to push forward with confidence in attack.
Arsenal’s next challenge comes this Saturday, with Everton making the trip to north London. A win against the Toffees will be crucial for maintaining their momentum ahead of the busy festive period. With Saliba’s ambition and the squad’s talent, Arsenal will be looking to continue their impressive form both at home and in the league.
The Road Ahead: Aiming for Unbeaten Glory
Looking ahead, Saliba’s dream of an unbeaten season will face plenty of challenges. Arsenal will need to navigate difficult away fixtures, including matches against high-profile rivals, while also keeping up their form in the Champions League. Although Arteta remains cautious, Saliba’s determination offers a glimpse of the mentality at Arsenal this season — a team that is hungry for success and unwilling to settle for mediocrity.
Arsenal’s focus is on improving with every match, and Saliba’s target of an unbeaten season will provide further motivation for the Gunners to push towards their goals. With the squad now well-settled and playing a dynamic style of football, Arsenal have the potential to challenge for titles both domestically and in Europe.
The path to an invincible campaign will not be easy, but with players like Saliba leading the charge, Arsenal will continue to aim high as they look to extend their unbeaten run at the Emirates Stadium and make a significant mark in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Conclusion
William Saliba’s ambition to finish the season unbeaten has set a bold tone for Arsenal‘s campaign. With the Gunners enjoying an exceptional home record and aiming for European success, Saliba’s focus on achieving an invincible run will serve as motivation for the entire squad. While manager Mikel Arteta remains cautious, Arsenal’s strong position both in the Premier League and Champions League leaves them well-placed to accomplish big things this season. Saliba and his teammates will need to stay focused, but their aspirations are clear — an unbeaten season is well within reach for the Gunners.
