Saliba sends Arsenal rallying cry and warns Liverpool they've turned a corner

William Saliba says he can feel the “momentum building” in Arsenal ’s season.

The Gunners smashed five past Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League after their impressive 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest last Saturday. There are clear signs that Arsenal are finding a rhythm and consistency that they have been missing in a stop-start season disrupted by injury.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s return has been key with Saliba claiming the Norway midfielder is one of the top three in his position in the world.

But Saliba believes they are coming back towards their best form but insisted the only real proof is to keep on winning as they face another tough trip to West Ham on Saturday.

When asked whether the momentum was building, Gunners defender Saliba said: “Yes, we can feel it. The coach has always told us to believe in ourselves because we are a really good team.

“We had some bad times but we believe the good times are coming. We will stick together and keep going like that. It is much better. I think we had two or three weeks before the international break when it was really tough. But now we have played two very good games.

“It is not enough, we have to keep going like this. There is a big game on Saturday but it is good for the confidence that we won like this in Lisbon. Let’s keep going.”

Odegaard’s return after nearly two months out with injury has been key for Arsenal as he was superb against Forest and then shone in Lisbon.

Arsenal’s form dipped in his absence and they still need to claw back nine points on runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool in the title race. But Saliba believes that Odegaard can make a big difference as they look to rediscover the form of last season which made them such a popular choice among pundits to win the title this campaign.

Saliba said: “Of course, it is a bit different when he is here as he is one of the best players in the world. We are so happy to have him back. We are better with him, I hope he doesn’t get injured again.

“We have to enjoy playing with him. You can see we are better with him. He is a top professional, so he worked hard at the training ground. I’m not surprised that he came back like this but it is not easy when you haven’t played for four weeks to come back at this level. He is a top professional.

“Honestly, every game I’m shocked because he is doing something new on the field that you haven’t seen. He’s a really, really top player.

Saliba was even asked whether there is a better midfielder in Europe and made a diplomatic answer when naming his top three.

“Yeah… erm, top three! I don’t want to pressure him too much. I think top three. I love this guy,” laughed Saliba. “Who are the others? Mmm… Kevin De Bruyne… and Declan Rice!”It was Saliba’s 100th appearance for Arsenal in Lisbon and he has missed just 20 games since his debut in August 2022 and has won 65 of his games.

Saliba, already regarded as one of Europe’s top defenders, clearly enjoys the stat but admitted he can get better and also claimed that he needs to get back to his best form this season himself.

He added: “I’m very proud. Obviously I hope there are going to be many more at this amazing club and I have to keep going. But, yes, it is amazing. I just have to keep going. It is not finished. I want to be better and better and better.”