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Martin Keown hails 'brilliant' William Saliba, claiming the Arsenal star is 'growing in stature' and developing into a 'proper central defender' following his goal against Sporting

Martin Keown has heaped praise on William Saliba after his goal in Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Sporting in the Europa League on Thursday.

Mikel Arteta made a number of changes from the side that beat Bournemouth in dramatic fashion last Saturday, but Saliba remained in the starting line-up and gave the Gunners the lead with a fine header in the 22nd minute.

Arsenal were unable to hang on for a win in Lisbon, but Keown was still impressed by Saliba, and believes he is going from strength to strength since returning from multiple loan spells in France.