Arsenal fans react to William Saliba’s display as Saint-Etienne reach Cup final

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William Saliba enjoyed a topsy-turvy night as Saint-Etienne qualified for the French Cup final with a late 2-1 win over Stade Rennais – and Arsenal supporters have applauded their young defender, as he continues to shine on loan.

Saliba, 18, joined Arsenal last summer after clocking up 19 senior appearances for Les Verts. He agreed a £27million (BBC) move to The Emirates, before being loaned back to St. Etienne until the end of the season.

The France youth international has endured a very tricky season. A long-term hamstring injury at the start of the season was then followed by a foot injury, limiting him to just 16 appearances in all competitions. St. Etienne have struggled for form, too.

Indeed, the French club sit in 16th place in Ligue 1 – winning just once in their last 11 league games. However, their form in the French Cup has been much better and on Thursday night, they reached the final thanks to an excellent Saliba.

Saliba conceded a penalty just after the half-hour mark, tripping Rennes attacker Raphinha. But he helped St. Etienne recover, laying on two pre-assists. Indeed, Ryan Boudebouz scored a 94th-minute winner and Saliba was the architect.

Stepping out of defence, the Arsenal loanee was 40 yards out before playing an excellent pass into Denis Bouanga, who laid it off for Boudebouz to score from 20 yards out. Arsenal fans were impressed with Saliba’s display.

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