Mikel Arteta has praised Ezri Konsa after the summer signing produced an impressive first Arsenal start despite completing only five training sessions with his new teammates.
Konsa partnered Gabriel Magalhães during Sunday’s 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
The England international had previously played only 11 minutes for Arsenal, but Arteta had no hesitation throwing him into the biggest game of the season so far.
His response clearly impressed the Arsenal manager.
Ezri Konsa was outstanding, that tackle to deny Morgan Rogers really announced himself to his new team – but was also part of an overall great performance.
Mikel Arteta says Mosquera won't be "too much" longer but need to look at the few days. #afc pic.twitter.com/0av5HMJF5M
— Sam Blitz (@SamBIitz) September 6, 2026
Arteta hails Konsa after Chelsea performance
Speaking during his post-match press conference, Arteta highlighted just how little preparation Konsa had enjoyed before being handed his first start.
The Arsenal boss said:
“He’s played 11 minutes against Villa, five training sessions, he was incredible.”
Arteta also praised one particular intervention from the defender as “a very English tackle”.
It was a significant test for a player still adapting to a new defensive structure.
Konsa lined up alongside Gabriel, with Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori completing the back four.
Chelsea took the lead after only 77 seconds through Morgan Rogers, but Arsenal gradually regained control and restricted Xabi Alonso’s side as the match developed.
Konsa produced an important second-half challenge on Rogers as Chelsea looked for an equaliser, helping Arsenal protect the 2-1 advantage secured by Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard.
His performance also gives Arteta another important option ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Napoli.
With Cristhian Mosquera among the players being monitored in our latest Arsenal injury news before Napoli, Konsa’s rapid adaptation could prove especially valuable.
The summer arrival was already included in Arsenal’s confirmed Champions League squad, giving Arteta the option of retaining him in Naples.
Arsenal invested heavily in improving the depth of their squad during the summer.
Konsa has needed very little time to provide the first evidence of why.
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