100% passing, 6 clearances: Ezri Konsa’s debut v Chelsea proved just why Arsenal bought him

For some Arsenal fans, the signing of Ezri Konsa was a bit of an eyebrow raiser.

While many Gunners longed for a new forward or wide player to be signed, it was the late addition of Konsa that got the big headlines as the transfer deadline approached.

Konsa, of course, is a seasoned Premier League defender and any notion that he wouldn’t settle in at The Emirates is ill-informed.

However, for those who did have doubts over the England man’s quality at this level, his debut against Chelsea this afternoon more or less put everything to bed.

Ezri Konsa’s stats v Chelsea show he’s the real deal

There is a reason why Arsenal signed Ezri Konsa. For a start, William Saliba is out injured and then today, Cristhian Mosquera was missing.

That meant Konsa was used in his preferred position of central defence and in a nutshell, he performed brilliantly.

In terms of overall stats, Konsa did just what Mikel Arteta wanted. He completed 100% of his 37 attempted passes, something that is crucial within this Arsenal team.

Crucially as well, Konsa also did what he was signed to do. Defend.

He made a game high six clearances as Arsenal tried to keep the Palmer, Pedro and Rogers trio at bay, while he also made three tackles, higher than any other Arsenal player. Adding to that, Konsa also won three aerial duels, asserting further dominance.

For Arsenal fans, it was very much a first look at just what the club has bought.

And with William Saliba still out injured for the foreseeable future, this performance from Konsa will have certainly settled nerves among the fanbase.