After defeating Italy 3-1 on the road on Sunday, France took the lead in their Nations League group.

Lucas Digne, the hero of the show, led Aston Villa with two assists and a fantastic free-kick that resulted in Guglielmo Vicario’s own goal.

Adrien Rabiot of Marseille performed admirably as well, heading two goals from crosses by Digne.

William Saliba, a star for Arsenal, had another strong performance in the backline. With three long balls, he achieved a 92 percent passing accuracy rate.

Along with three clearances and four recoveries, the center defender won all of his duels and all of his take-ons.

Saliba was not dribbled past once during the game, but he did lose possession only five times.

Now, the £27 million acquisition will go back to Arsenal to get ready for the busy holiday schedule.

On Saturday, the London giants will play Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium to begin their Premier League campaign.

The Gunners need to win because, after 11 games, they are already nine points behind current leaders Liverpool.

Saliba and the entire backline must perform well against Forest this weekend since they have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven league games.

The team had a scare with Leandro Trossard’s injury before the match. During yesterday’s match against Israel, the Belgian was substituted during the first half.

When the 29-year-old returns to London Colney, he will be evaluated, and Mikel Arteta’s press conference this week should provide us with an update on his injuries.

Ben White, meanwhile, is certain to miss the Forest match. Following surgery for a knee problem, he might be sidelined for eight weeks.

On the injury front, there is some positive news, though. It is expected that Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori will resume training this week.