Arsenal loanee Saliba has a tough game even as Nice win

William Saliba had his most difficult outing with Nice yet on Friday, despite his side winning 2-1 against Rennes.

The on-loan Arsenal defender has cut an imposing figure in the heart of the Ligue 1 side’s defence since moving to the club in early January. He has been hailed as the boss of the defence, but on Friday he was culpable of making a mistake that cost his side.

Otherwise, it was another solid display, yet that error blighted his display.

Here’s how his match went.

Rennes 1-2 Nice: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats

Nice made a solid start to the match. While their hosts had seen plenty of the ball, Amine Gouiri had given the visiting side the lead from the penalty spot. They were defending solidly and had not looked like giving anything away.

⚠ ⏱️ 39′ In possession in the heart of the defence, Saliba played a lazy pass forward that was intercepted by Martin Terrier. After a couple of touches, the winger took aim and dispatched a shot into the top corner of the net. Although he was not adequately closed down, the error leading to a goal went to Saliba.

Nice ultimately secured the win as Flavius Daniliuc glanced the winner from a Gouiri free kick early in the second half. Saliba made a key block towards the end as the lead was preserved.

➖ HOLDING STEADY

Saliba has been performing to a very consistent standard for Nice since arriving from Arsenal. Indeed, almost all his scored have given him a 6.7-7.1 FC Rating.

Friday’s performance was only worth a 5.8 FC Rating, although there is no cause for alarm as this appears to have merely been a blip.

🗝️ Key Stats

It’s a busy week for Nice, who will seek to put relegation firmly off the table on Wednesday, when they will play host to Nimes.

Next Sunday, meanwhile, they will host Monaco in the Coupe de France – a competition that they will have to treat seriously given their desire to qualify for Europe.

Saliba is set to play a big role in both games.

William Saliba: Player Statistics, Career Stats and Position

Rennes 1-2 Nice: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats