William Saliba spent years out in the cold under Mikel Arteta, but now looks set to be a mainstay in their backline.
The French defender has started Arsenal's opening two Premier League games and put in impressive performances in wins over Crystal Palace and Leicester, even if there was an unfortunate own-goal in the latter fixture. Saliba, who previously impressed during loan spells at Nice and Marseille, is quickly making himself undroppable alongside Gabriel.
Arsenal had signed centre-halves in three consecutive summers, with Saliba's acquisition followed by Gabriel and then Benjamin White. Last term, it was the latter two who formed a partnership which proved solid throughout a progressive season for the Gunners.
Arteta even spoke of how impressive the pair's understanding was after a draw at Brighton last term. When quizzed on whether Gabriel and White were gelling quicker than expected he said: "Yes, because they never played together, because Gabi is still a little bit struggling with the language and they didn’t have any time to work together in pre-season. They are getting a really good connection, good chemistry and I think their qualities match and compliment each other really well. I think both of them today were terrific."
Less than a year later, Saliba's return threatens to break up the pair - although Arteta has plenty of options. Early on in the season, White has been pushed out to right-back, which is far from a natural position for the Englishman.
He was taken off in the win over Leicester as Takehiro Tomiyasu, a natural right-back, came on to replace him, which could be a switch that sticks for the upcoming game with Bournemouth. That said, Arteta could opt to play with a back three, which would open the door for White.
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Saliba has continued to receive praise from his boss, despite his own-goal against the Foxes. The centre-half was named man of the match on opening night victory over Palace, but Arteta felt his level went up again.
The Spaniard said: "I’m happier today than I was last week with Palace because of the way he played after that, I think it was incredible." He also added: "The goal we conceded, obviously it was an own goal from Willy and a disappointing moment but I’ve never seen in football the response from our crowd, it was just incredible."
Perhaps hinting there is a new partnership forming in North London, Gabriel has also hailed his new partner, who he labelled as "the best". He told the Evening Standard : "For me, he’s the best! He’s very young, very promising and a very good player. I am so happy to play with him, together."
