William Saliba makes confident Arsenal prediction after Premier League title blow

William Saliba has been a revelation for Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

William Saliba is adamant ‘big things are going to happen’ for Arsenal next season after the Gunners narrowly missed out on the Premier League title for the second year in a row.

Arsenal won 28 league games this season, amassing 89 points and scoring 91 goals – more than the Invincibles managed under Arsene Wenger.

But even that was not enough to clinch their first Premier League title since 2004 as Manchester City retained the trophy yet again and became the first team in history to win four titles in a row.

It was a familiar feeling for Mikel Arteta and his team, who also finished as Premier League runners-up last season, though this time they came even closer to ending a 20-year wait for the title.

Several pundits, including Arsenal hero Paul Merson, have questioned whether the Gunners will mount a third successive title challenge next season, suggesting the players may be worn down by two failed bids and the relentlessness of Man City.

But Saliba is confident major success is just around the corner for Arsenal and says ‘big things’ will happen next season.

The French defender, who played every single minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, wrote on Instagram: ‘Gunners, thanks for everything!

‘The support this season has been crazy and we felt it at every moment. Next season big things are going to happen. We will get there together. North London Forever.’

Despite seeing their title charge fall short on the final day of the season, Arteta also insisted Arsenal were on the verge of success as he addressed the Emirates Stadium crowd following a final-day win over Everton.

‘All this is happening because you started believing,’ said the 42-year-old manager, who left a role under Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to take over at Arsenal in December 2019.

‘You started to be patient, you started to understand what we were trying to do and all the credit has to go to these amazing players, and the staff that are unbelievable.

‘I think now it’s time to have a break, think, reflect and please, keep pushing, keep inspiring this team. Don’t be satisfied because we want much more than that, and we’re going to get it. Thank you so much.’

Saliba was one of four Arsenal players named in Opta’s Premier League team of the season alongside full-back Ben White and midfield duo Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

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