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 put 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 the rhythm and consistency they have missed in a stop-start season marred by injuries.

The return of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was crucial, with Saliba claiming the Norwegian midfielder is among the top three at his position in the world.

But Saliba believes they are returning to their best form, insisting the only real proof is that they keep winning as they face another tough trip against West Ham on Saturday.

Asked if momentum was building, Gunners defender Saliba said: “Yes, we can feel it. The coach always told us to believe in ourselves because we are a very good team.

“We've had some bad times, but we believe the good times are coming. We stick together and keep going. It's 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's not enough, we have to keep going. There is a big match on the program on Saturday, but it is good for the confidence that we have gained in Lisbon. Let's keep going.”

Odegaard's return after almost two months away through injury was crucial for Arsenal as he was fantastic against Forest and then shone in Lisbon.

Arsenal's form dipped in his absence and they still need to regain nine points from runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool in the title race. But Saliba believes Odegaard can make a big difference if they are to rediscover the form of last season that made them such a popular choice among pundits to win the title this campaign.

Saliba said: “Of course it's a bit different when he's here because he's one of the best players in the world. We are so happy he is 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 has worked hard on the training field. I'm not surprised he came back like this, but it's not easy when you haven't played for four weeks to get back to this level. He is a top professional.

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

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

“Yes… um, top three! I don't want to put too much pressure on him. I think top three. I love this man,” Saliba laughed. '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, winning 65 of his games.

Already considered one of the best defenders in Europe, Saliba is clearly enjoying the stats but admitted he can improve and also claimed he needs to get back to his best form this season himself.

He added: “I'm very proud. Obviously I hope there will be many more at this great club and I must continue. But yeah, it's amazing. I just have to keep going. It's not ready yet. I want to get better and better and better.”