Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have once again been left feeling rather dizzy.
Dizzy at the start of the campaign when they lost their opening three Premier League matches to cap their worst start to a domestic campaign in 67 years. Dizzy at their incredible run of five victories in six matches which put Champions League football within their grasp.
Unfortunately, the familiar drop in the stomach that accompanies terrifying runs of losses has once again returned, as Arteta watched his side fall to a chastening 1-0 away defeat to struggling Southampton. Such inconsistency and repetitive falls of grace has only proceeded to illuminate the rough edges in their squad – fortunately, a potential solution is already in their ranks.
William Saliba has enjoyed a fine campaign with French giants Marseille. Not only have his performances provided Jorge Sampaoli’s side with the chance to qualify for the Champions League for only the second time since 2013, they have also garnered him a place in Didier Deschamps’ recent France squads.
Considering the fierce competition for places in Les Bleus, this is a quite outstanding achievement for the 21-year-old. While many of Europe’s biggest clubs have been monitoring his performances with menacing, prying eyes, Arsenal can be safe in the knowledge that he is, at this moment, an Arsenal player.
However, the Gunners will need to further cement his place within Arteta’s ranks, as Saliba’s recent comments suggest his head may have been turned. "There is always a chance [that I will stay with Marseille]," Saliba told Le Parisien.
"I do not hide that I am very happy in Marseille. I have developed, I have passed a milestone. If I make it into France’s squad it’s thanks to Marseille, because there is a lot of visibility.
"[Arsenal] are often in contact with my agent. They send me messages. They watch my matches. They tell me that we have to continue like this. I haven’t played much with the Gunners. The coach has made his choices, that’s life."
As brilliant as Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White have been this season, Arteta will know all about the benefits of having more than two top quality defenders. Arteta was blessed to work with the likes of Vincent Kompany, Aymeric Laporte, and John Stones during his trophy-laden spell as Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager.
All three defenders not only pushed each other to their limits, they were also further supported by the inconsistent, but yet brilliant on his day, Nicolas Otamendi. Goals and beautiful football usually come to mind when City’s Premier League winning titans come to mind.
However, such offensive playing styles are horribly exploited if the back four spring-boarding their attacks is flimsy. The injury to Kieran Tierney has been a huge blow for the north Londoners, but the Scot’s absence cannot excuse a horrific run off three consecutive losses.
