This resilience is largely attributable to the performance of Ezri Konsa, who has stepped into the void left by Saliba. The 29-year-old’s arrival was initially met with skepticism. Arsenal had already secured seven senior defenders, including Cristhian Mosquera, and questions abounded regarding the necessity of a £55m transfer from Aston Villa. Critics questioned whether the funds would have been better spent on a forward, particularly given the existing strength of the defensive unit. However, the narrative has shifted rapidly. The current debate is no longer about whether Konsa was a necessary addition, but whether he and Gabriel constitute the best defensive partnership in world football, extending beyond the boundaries of the Premier League.
The statistical evidence supports this elevated assessment. Konsa’s integration has been seamless, a factor Mikel Arteta described as “unbelievable.” The manager noted that Konsa arrived without a pre-season and with a squad that already possessed established chemistry. “To position yourself in that manner, with that naturality I would say, and performing 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 stated. The numbers reflect this efficiency. Konsa recorded the best pass-completion rate of any player in the Premier League last season and continues to lead the chart this year, boasting a 96% success rate from 324 passes. While his ranking for ground duel success has dipped to 12th in the 2026-27 season compared to top ratings in the previous campaign, his overall output remains elite.
Since signing on the opening day of the season, Konsa has started six matches. His debut came in the second fixture against his former club, Aston Villa, where he replaced an injured Mosquera. Since then, he has started all three of Arsenal’s Champions League matches alongside Gabriel, with the team remaining unbeaten in that competition. The partnership’s effectiveness is highlighted by recent results: in nine starts together, they have recorded seven wins, five clean sheets, and two goals. The simultaneous scoring by Konsa and Gabriel against Everton marked the first time Arsenal had two center-backs score in a Premier League match since February 2024, a feat also achieved against a David Moyes-managed team, though that instance involved Gabriel and Saliba against West Ham.
Konsa’s profile fits Arsenal’s adjusted recruitment strategy, which now prioritizes players in the peak of their careers to capitalize on their current window of success. Having made 286 appearances for Villa after joining from Brentford in 2019, Konsa brings experience and physicality. He was instrumental in Villa’s Europa League victory in May, the club’s first European trophy since 1982, and has established himself as a first-choice starter for England, featuring in seven of their eight World Cup matches. Former Villa teammate Morgan Rogers, who moved to Chelsea for £117m this summer, noted at the World Cup that Konsa does not receive enough credit and is “one of the best centre-backs in football.” Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown echoed this sentiment on Match of the Day, observing that Konsa has not been overshadowed by the players he has joined, noting that Saliba and Gabriel had previously been on the Ballon d’Or list for best defenders.
Despite the strong form, the situation remains fluid. Saliba is currently undertaking individual training work on grass but has no confirmed return date. Arteta emphasized the club’s desire for the Frenchman’s return, citing the specific qualities he offers. “William is not fit and we are desperate to have him back because we know what he offers,” Arteta said. He added that when Mosquera plays, he too brings something special, underscoring the depth and mutual respect within the squad. “The way we train them, the way they want to improve as well and how they look after each other. That’s the beauty of our team,” the manager concluded.
For Konsa, the immediate future is defined by consistency rather than speculation. He acknowledged the weight of expectation, stating, “I’ve come to this stadium for many seasons, I know how tough it is to play against us. It’s not surprising to me. We are champions and to be champions you’ve got to win games consistently. This is our home and we want to win as many games here as possible.” As Arsenal look to maintain their position at the summit, the partnership between Konsa and Gabriel has proven that the absence of a key player can be mitigated by tactical flexibility and individual excellence, setting the stage for the remainder of their domestic and European campaigns.
