Arsenal supporters react as William Saliba helps U23 side beat Gillingham

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William Saliba lasted the entire 90 minutes as he helped Arsenal’s Under-21 side beat Gillingham on penalties to progress into the next round of the EFL Trophy – and Gunners fans have reacted on Twitter.

Saliba, 19, joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 from St. Etienne but has since returned to Arsenal after a loan spell with Les Verts during 2019-20. High hopes have been placed on the France youth international’s shoulders.

However, since the season began, Saliba is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Gunners with Mikel Arteta instead signing Gabriel – and preferring the likes of Rob Holding, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsenal fans finally got to see their man in action on Tuesday night, though, as Saliba took to the pitch alongside a returning Calum Chambers at centre-back – with the Gunners facing Gillingham away from home.

Catalin Cirjan gave Arsenal the lead in the first half while Matt Macey produced a number of saves to keep the lead intact – until Arsenal loanee Trae Coyle scored for Gillingham against his parent club. The scoreline remained.

It was left to Arsenal to win on penalties, and they did just that – with Cirjan scoring a panenka. Arsenal supporters reacted on Twitter to Saliba’s performance, and many were impressed with the defender.

https://twitter.com/Glen_AFC/status/1326232699355459591

https://twitter.com/RealHarrowPele/status/1326218568703283202

https://twitter.com/BClarke_AFC/status/1326227863314567176

https://twitter.com/Gunner33459162/status/1326224142753030150