'Was bad...' Saliba reveals private Arteta conversations after difficult period

Arsenal star William Saliba opened up about private conversations with Mikel Arteta after the centre-back suffered a dip in form.

The France international has been central to Arsenal's fortunes this term, having made 27 appearances in all competitions this term.

Indeed, Saliba’s stubborn defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhães has conceded just 23 goals and helped the club to the summit of the Premier League.

However, a matter of weeks ago Arsenal had an eight-point lead over Manchester City, only for the title challengers to close the gap and briefly leapfrog Arsenal.

However, the Gunners have since had a much-needed resurgence. A win against Leicester City this afternoon would see Arsenal re-establish a five-point lead over City at the top of the table, with Pep Guardiola’s side playing Bournemouth later today.

Saliba opens up about difficult period

While Saliba’s early season form earned him a call-up to the World Cup with France, he only played 27 minutes in Qatar.

By his own admission, Saliba struggled to hit the levels he had set himself after the tournament. Indeed, against Brentford’s Ivan Toney, he lost all 10 aerial duels contested, while the Frenchman appeared rattled at times by City’s Erling Harland.

The centre-back revealed he had conversations with Arteta following his dip in form.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Saliba said: "When you play well, it's good, also, to know when you aren't - he tells you. He gives you advice every day - to get better.”

The Gunners star added: "I went to the World Cup, I didn't play, but it's okay - I still smile.

“It was my first experience. I am young and to be in this France squad is so hard, so I was happy. It makes me hungry to be in the next tournament.

"We lost that final, unfortunately, but we will be back. Then I came back and I have this little period where I didn't play my best.

“I know I have to work, to get back [to my levels]. I know when I play [well] and when I play [poorly]. We are lucky here, I have the coaches to help me grow. They sit me down and say, 'This one was good, this was bad… you need to improve here'."