William Saliba says Arsenal silenced critics after Premier League win

William Saliba said Arsenal have silenced critics by winning the Premier League title. He told L’Equipe that jokes about the club’s past second‑place finishes have faded. Photographer George Wood captured Saliba’s comments.

Saliba recalled that even when Arsenal led the league, pundits predicted a drop back to second place. He added that the only way to change the narrative was to win, and the title achieved that. Mikel Arteta’s side will be back for the 2026/27 campaign.

On playing style, Saliba acknowledged Arsenal score many goals from set pieces but noted that long throw‑ins and corner focus are common across the Premier League. He argued the difference is Arsenal executing those situations better than rivals. Photographer Justin Setterfield documented Arsenal’s set‑piece drills.

Saliba will join France at the World Cup, where the squad faces Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the group stage. He expects to meet familiar opponents such as Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland.