Arsenal were bracing for the worst after William Saliba was sidelined for an “extended period” in July due to a long-term back issue. The French centre-back had established himself as a vital component next to Gabriel Magalhaes, contributing to the Gunners conceding only 27 Premier League goals last term as they claimed the title.
Eight matches into the new season, Saliba has still not featured, yet Arsenal sit among the league’s frontrunners and have let in fewer goals than any other side. A great deal of the praise goes to Ezri Konsa, whose strong displays have calmed fears over the loss of one of the club’s most crucial defenders.
The £55m summer arrival from Aston Villa came amid doubts about whether Arsenal required another centre-back. Now, though, Konsa is making a compelling case for his spot, with his alliance with Gabriel developing into one of the most potent in the game.
Ezri Konsa validates his value in Arsenal’s defence
Arsenal already possessed seven senior defenders when they secured Konsa’s move to the Emirates in August. With Cristhian Mosquera also in the mix and Gabriel and Saliba firmly established as a strong duo, the choice to invest £55m in another centre-back prompted surprise. Certain fans wondered if the funds might have been more wisely used on an attacker.
The transfer mirrors Arsenal’s evolving recruitment approach. As the club aims to capitalise on its title-winning squad, the focus has turned to players in their peak years who can contribute right away. At 29, Konsa matches that description ideally.
His track record is clear. After moving to Aston Villa from Brentford in July 2019, he racked up 286 outings for the club and aided their Europa League triumph in May, their first European silverware since 1982. He has also cemented his status as a regular England international, starting seven of the team’s eight World Cup fixtures.
Morgan Rogers, Konsa’s former Villa colleague who transferred to Chelsea for £117m this summer, gave a strong endorsement of the defender during the World Cup. Rogers contended that Konsa is underappreciated, calling him “one of the best centre-backs in football”.
Konsa’s solid statistics vindicate Arsenal’s outlay
Konsa has quickly adjusted to life at Arsenal. His physicality, recovery pace, and tenacity in duels have bolstered the defence, and Mikel Arteta has been especially struck by how swiftly the defender has settled in despite joining without a pre-season.
“To position yourself in that manner, with that naturality, I would say, and perform at the level that he’s doing and building already a chemistry and a balance with Gabi that seems so solid, it’s very difficult to do and we are really lucky to have him,” Arteta remarked.
The data backs up the manager’s commendation. Konsa posted the top pass-completion rate among Premier League players last season and presently leads the same metric, completing 96% of his 324 passes. He also topped Premier League outfielders for success rate in ground duels with at least 20 contests last term, while ranking 12th in that category in 2026-27.
Arsenal’s defensive numbers further highlight his contribution. The Gunners have recorded five clean sheets in their first eight league games, more than any other club. Konsa has started six of those matches after arriving on the season’s opening day, having made his debut as a substitute against his former club Aston Villa when Mosquera picked up an injury.
Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown was similarly impressed, noting that Konsa has more than held his own next to elite players.
“The two of them [Saliba and Gabriel] were on the Ballon D’Or list as the best defenders in world football,” Keown said on Match of the Day. “He has not been overshadowed at all by the people he has played alongside.”
Konsa provided another standout moment on Saturday, netting his first Arsenal goal against Everton. Looking back on the club’s start, he emphasised that upholding their standards was crucial after clinching the title.
“We are champions, and to be champions, you’ve got to win games consistently,” he stated. “This is our home, and we want to win as many games here as possible.”
Gabriel and Konsa forge a strong partnership
The figures underpinning Arsenal’s centre-back duo are growing more persuasive. Over nine starts together, Konsa and Gabriel have helped secure seven victories and five clean sheets, while netting two goals combined.
Both defenders scored in the win over Everton, the first instance of two Arsenal centre-backs finding the net in a Premier League fixture since February 2024. That previous occurrence was also against a David Moyes-led team, when Gabriel and Saliba scored versus West Ham.
Their connection has carried over into European play. Konsa has started all three of Arsenal’s Champions League matches alongside Gabriel, with the Gunners unbeaten as the pair continues to gel.
The England international has been swift to credit his defensive colleague’s impact, stating Gabriel has made “my life easy since I’ve joined the club” and calling it a joy to play beside him.
William Saliba’s comeback creates selection headache for Arteta
Saliba still lacks a fixed return date, though he has started individual work on the grass. His absence has allowed Konsa to cement his role, but the Frenchman’s eventual return will give Arteta another selection puzzle.
The Arsenal boss has stressed that his team still requires Saliba back, despite the current partnership’s success.
“William is not fit, and we are desperate to have him back because we know what he offers,” Arteta said. He also voiced faith in the club’s other defensive choices, including Mosquera, commending their growth, their drive to improve, and their mutual support.
Konsa’s displays have thus provided Arsenal with crucial stability while Saliba recuperates. His capacity to play at right-back could offer another path into the starting lineup, meaning his involvement need not hinge solely on the first-choice centre-backs’ fitness.
For the time being, Arsenal have discovered a dependable fix for a significant defensive worry. Once Saliba is back, Konsa will confront a fresh test: persuading Arteta that his spot in the side ought to stay assured.