Konsa’s Hull Masterclass Raises Fresh Questions Over Saliba’s Arsenal Return

Ezri Konsa continues to give Mikel Arteta a very welcome selection headache, with his outstanding performance against Hull City raising fresh questions about William Saliba’s return to Arsenal’s starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard may have grabbed the headlines with his winner in Saturday’s 1-0 victory, but Konsa’s contribution alongside Gabriel was another reminder of just how impressive Arsenal’s defence has become. Konsa’s Outstanding Performance Sky Sports has singled out the England international for praise, highlighting his remarkable statistics against Hull. Konsa won all seven of his defensive duels and completed 51 of his 53 passes, while producing a crucial last-ditch block to deny Mohamed-Ali Cho during a dangerous counterattack. Arsenal have now kept seven clean sheets in their opening ten Premier League matches, with the partnership between Konsa and Gabriel proving remarkably effective. Sky Sports journalist Nick Wright believes Konsa’s form could make it difficult for Saliba to walk straight back into the side. And it’s difficult to argue with that assessment. Why would Arteta want to disrupt a defensive partnership that is performing so consistently? (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Does Saliba Have To Win His Place Back? The debate over Arsenal’s central defenders is hardly new. We recently covered Rio Ferdinand’s belief that Saliba would reclaim his starting position , with the former Manchester United defender suggesting Konsa could move to right-back. However, as we reported yesterday, Saliba has been omitted from France’s squad for the upcoming international fixtures , allowing him to remain at Arsenal and continue building his fitness. Arteta has also confirmed that the defender’s absence against Hull was deliberate, with Saliba expected to feature for Arsenal’s Under-21s against Aston Villa today as part of his carefully managed return. Saliba’s quality is unquestionable, and his return provides Arsenal with another world-class defensive option. However, Konsa has done absolutely nothing to deserve losing his place. With Arsenal leading the Premier League and continuing to collect clean sheets, Arteta faces the enviable problem of choosing between two outstanding defenders. But when Arsenal return to Premier League action, should reputation or current form determine who starts alongside Gabriel? Would you keep Konsa in the starting eleven, or bring Saliba straight back when he’s fully fit?  Join the conversation in the comments below. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow…. You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS. CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…