Arteta stunned by Arsenal fans’ reaction to Saliba own goal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the fan reaction to William Saliba’s own goal was “something I’ve never seen in my career”.

The defender was last week lavished with praise after a man-of-the-match display on his Gunners debut against Crystal Palace, but had a tougher time of it against Leicester on Saturday.

Right behind us, from first minute to last! 🥰#ARSLEI

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 13, 2022

With Arsenal cruising, Saliba’s poor attempt at heading a Leicester cross behind instead beat Aaron Ramsdale and nestled inside the near post for an own goal.

The Arsenal fans did not care, though, and instead of bemoaning the mistake they cheered and applauded the defender, and it did not go unnoticed by Arteta.

❤️ What it means…

Thank you for all of your amazing support today, Gooners! 🙏#ARSLEI pic.twitter.com/ZcYvH9yjvc

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 13, 2022

Read Also: EPL: Ten Hag tipped to be sacked after Man United thrashing by Brentford

“What [the fans] did with Saliba after the own goal is something I’ve never seen anything like that in my career,” he told reporters. “I think it lifted Willy’s confidence.”

He added: “I’m more happy today [with Saliba] than I was last week with Palace because of how he reacted to the own goal.”