When Arsenal announced in July that William Saliba would miss an “extended period” due to a back problem, fans understandably freaked out.?
The French centre‑back has forged a lethal partnership with Gabriel Magalhães, anchoring a backline that let in just 27 league goals en route to last season’s title.
Eight games in and Saliba remains absent, yet Arteta’s side still boast the league’s fewest goals conceded and sit level atop the table.
That defensive solidity shines thanks to Ezri Konsa, who has seized the chance left by Saliba.
Before Arsenal splashed £55 million on the 29‑year‑old from Aston Villa, doubts swirled – was the price too steep? Did the Gunners need him with Cristhian Mosquera already present? Why sign Konsa instead of a striker?
Now the chatter centers on whether Konsa and Gabriel form the world’s premier centre‑back pairing, not merely the Premier League’s.
Arsenal already counted seven senior defenders when they secured Konsa’s signature.
Add to that an already world‑class partnership, and the hefty outlay suddenly makes sense.
The club has shifted its recruitment focus to players at their peak, aiming to maximise the current window of success.
Konsa fits that bill perfectly – he’s arriving in his prime.
The defender logged 286 games for Villa after joining from Brentford in July 2019 and helped the club clinch the Europa League in May, its first European trophy since 1982.
He’s become a regular starter for England, featuring in seven of their eight World Cup matches. For my money, Konsa is already among England’s elite defenders.
Former Villa teammate Morgan Rogers – who moved to Chelsea for £117 million this summer – praised Konsa at the World Cup, saying he never gets the credit he deserves and calling him “one of the best centre‑backs in football.”
Konsa combines size, pace and aggression, winning over the fanbase with his hard‑charging style.
Having arrived on the season’s first day, Arteta described Konsa’s integration as “unbelievable.”
“He joins a massive club like Arsenal without a pre‑season, while Saliba is still here and other players are settled,” Arteta added.
“To slot in so naturally, to perform at that level and already build chemistry with Gabriel – that’s rare, and we’re lucky to have him.”
The numbers back Arteta’s praise.
Konsa posted the highest pass‑completion rate of any Premier League player last season and repeats the feat this campaign with a 96 % success rate from 324 passes.
He also led all outfielders in successful ground duels (20+ attempts) last season and sits 12th in that metric for 2026‑27.
Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in five of their eight league matches, the most in the division so far.
Signed just hours before the opener against Coventry, Konsa started six games and made his debut as a substitute in the second fixture versus his former club Villa after Mosquera’s injury.
“Both Saliba and Gabriel were on the Ballon d’Or list as the world’s best defenders,” former Arsenal stalwart Martin Keown told Match Day.
“He hasn’t been eclipsed by his teammates at all.”
Konsa then added a goal against Everton on Saturday, further cementing his impact.
“I’ve played at this ground for many seasons; I know how tough it is to face us. It doesn’t surprise me,” Konsa said of Arsenal’s strong start.
“We are champions, and champions must win consistently. This is our home, and we aim to win as many games here as possible.”
Nine starts, seven wins, five clean sheets and two goals – the Konsa‑Gabriel partnership is thriving.
Both centre‑backs scored as Arsenal beat Everton, marking the first time two defenders have netted in a Premier League game for the club since February 2024, a match that also featured Gabriel and Saliba against West Ham.
Konsa has also started all three Champions League fixtures alongside Gabriel, with the Gunners remaining unbeaten as the duo continues to flourish.
The England international noted that Gabriel has made “my life easy since I joined and it’s a pleasure playing with him.”
Saliba still lacks a return date, currently training individually on grass.
When asked if the pressure eases for Saliba’s comeback, Arteta reminded everyone of his quality.
“William isn’t fit yet and we’re desperate to have him back because we know what he offers,” he said.
“We’re lucky to have that, and I’m sure Mosquera will match it when he plays – those boys have something special.”
“The way we train, the desire to improve and how they look after each other—that’s the beauty of our squad.”
Konsa’s next test will arrive when Saliba finally returns.
His ability to cover right‑back as well gives him multiple pathways into the starting eleven.