It is now four games without a clean sheet for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, their second-longest run of the season. It has overlapped with what was a seven-match winning streak but the past week's events have seen increased scrutiny on the backline.
Having only conceded four times in their past five games, Arsenal shipped four in the space of seven days as they slipped to 2-2 draws from 2-0 up twice in a row. It is a blip that has altered the course of the title race with Manchester City picking up pace.
It has also coincided with an injury for star centre-back William Saliba. The Frenchman has missed all the action since going off against Sporting CP in mid-March. Rob Holding has been his replacement but has come in for criticism.
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Now, with Saliba back to partial indoor training there remains hope that he could feature again this season with the upcoming crunch match against City still a possible return date. He won't be available to face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, football.london understands, but is targeting a comeback in the coming weeks.
Since his absence Arsenal haven't kept a clean sheet, conceding once against both Crystal Palace and Leeds before the back-to-back away draws. With the Gunners preparing to start with Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes against the Saints they have been handed the perfect opportunity to pick the brains of a defensive stalwart.
Former England, Tottenham and Arsenal centre-back Sol Campbell was present at the club's London Colney training ground on Wednesday. Taking in and studying Arteta's session, Campbell caught up with former teammate Edu as well as the club's current star Bukayo Saka. He also grabbed a photo with Arteta himself.
Described in the club's coverage of his attendance as 'the rock at the heart of the Invincibles' defence,' Campbell is a cult hero for the Gunners having left Spurs on a free transfer to join in 2001, going on to win the title at White Hart Lane too.
As one of the most esteemed defenders of his generation, Arteta may well be hopeful that some of his players were able to pick the brains of the Highbury great heading into the final stretch of the season.
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