No Saliba, no problem - Konsa stepping up for Arsenal

What the report says

Arsenal’s early-season defensive record has helped ease concerns over William Saliba’s long absence, with BBC Sport Football reporting that Ezri Konsa has stepped into the back line and made an immediate impact. Saliba was ruled out in July with a long-term back issue, but Arsenal have still allowed the fewest goals in the Premier League through eight matches as they sit level on points at the top.

Konsa, who joined Arsenal from Aston Villa in August for a reported £55m, has quickly become a regular alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. The article says he has started six league matches since arriving on the opening day of the season, and that his passing accuracy and duel success have stood out. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised how smoothly he has settled in, while former defender Martin Keown also highlighted his influence.

The report adds that Konsa scored his first Arsenal goal in the win over Everton on Saturday, in a match where both he and Gabriel found the net. That result extended Arsenal’s strong run and underscored how effective the new centre-back partnership has been. Saliba remains unavailable, though he is reportedly doing individual work on grass, and Arteta said the club are keen to have him back when fit.

More broadly, the piece frames Konsa’s rise as part of Arsenal’s wider recruitment shift toward signing players in their peak years as they push to sustain their title challenge.