Arsenal fans think Mikel Arteta has new William Saliba tactic which he used in the Champions League

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William Saliba enjoyed another flawless display at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, but against Slavia Prague, the Frenchman was spotted experimenting in a new role.

Arsenal’s perfect start to the Champions League continued as they won 3-0 away in the Czech Republic, with two goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka’s spot kick.

The Gunners are now top of the group stage with 12 points, having scored 11 goals and yet to concede in the competition.

One player who enjoyed a brilliant evening for the North London side was William Saliba, whose performance has supporters talking.

William Saliba plays new tactical role for Arsenal in the Champions League

Arsenal fans believe Mikel Arteta deployed a new tactic by pushing Saliba up into midfield to try and bait the press from Slavia Prague.

Often, the 24-year-old was seen pushing up into the midfield looking for passing options, in a bid to counter the Czech team’s low-block tactics.

Saliba, who recently signed a new Arsenal contract, had 44 touches of the ball at the Fortuna Arena and a pass accuracy of 85 per cent.

The French international was so key in helping progress the ball forward for the North Londoners, in a game where previously they may have struggled.

Arsenal have frequently run into frustrating situations when playing against teams who sit back, and Arteta’s new tactic with Saliba could now be key.

During the match in the Champions League, Arsenal fans took to social media to notice the role Saliba was playing against Prague.

One fan said: “That positional fluidity final five minutes of the half was insane? Saka LCM/CF, Merino dropping, Nwaneri wide, Timber floating and Saliba going into midfield. Just constant movement there.”

“I really liked Saliba inverting from centre-back into midfield to bait the Slavia Praha first line of pressure and create space for progression.”

There was yet more praise for the defender: “William Saliba is one of the most intelligent players in football. Very impressed with how he timed his movement in the pivot.

“You don’t understand how good you need to be to be trusted in the ‘John Stones role’. Gives us another way to progress the ball without Zubimendi.”

Finally, another added: “Saliba inverting into midfield from centre-back, not new to him, but also not as frequent as this in a single game. Top level.”

Ray Parlour picks Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba over Sol Campbell and

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has picked Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba over the Gunners’ title-winning duo of Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure.

“The two centre halves are really difficult. Now I think Gabriel is such an important player. I think he gets plenty of goals as well from set pieces.

“The big one for me is Campbell or Saliba. Gabriel is definitely in. Saliba is more of a Rolls-Royce of a player, but Sol was such a great blocker and defender.

“If I had to pick one? Because they’ve been such a good partnership, I’d go for Gabriel and Saliba. I think they’re probably one of the best in the world.”