Arsenal has advanced through the ranks under Mikel Arteta, and despite some absurd rumors that the Spanish strategist has been using the so-called dark arts in recent weeks, you can’t dispute the incredible work that has been done over the previous few years.

Arteta took over a team that was not inspiring confidence, packing the Emirates Stadium, or carrying on Arsene Wenger’s legacy in a way that was appropriate and positive.

Mikel-Arteta-Premier-League Arsenal
Brick by brick, he has rebuilt the London club, and even if the Gunners have lost both of their previous Premier League title matches against Manchester City, it is crucial to consider how far they have come.

With a backline that is currently among the best in European football, a number of notable changes have come together to create a terrifying new whole.

The defensive overload of Arsenal

For the past few years, Arteta and Arsenal’s sporting director Edu have been successful in cutting fat at the Emirates and acquiring players that are suited for a top-tier team. For this, they deserve all the accolades.

This has been demonstrated by the loping steps made in the back, where Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba form one of the strongest and most formidable duos in the world.

In fact, Lauren, a former Arsenal star, stated last season: “In my opinion, there isn’t a better center-back combination in the Premier League than Gabriel and William Saliba.”

Gabriel, Saliba, Arsenal, and Collage
23 years old Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth may cloud the current perception, but football fans are erratic, and the France star’s outstanding play in recent years—where he is on par with Virgil van Dijk as Europe’s most valued center-back—does not take away from that.

Great clubs have more than one or two elite players, and Arsenal has made good additions over the last several transfer windows, but there is currently an overabundance of left-footed defenders.

Since signing from Pep Guardiola’s City in a £30 million move, Oleksandr Zinchenko has made 70 appearances; however, injuries and a decline in form have reduced his playing time, which has resulted in the more recent acquisitions of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.

Outcasts like Kieran Tierney will be searching for a route out as young people like Ayden Heaven strive for a breakthrough, particularly after interest was sparked this summer.

The Premier League of the Kuran-Tierney Arsenal
It’s not just him. Despite getting some playing time this season, Jakub Kiwior isn’t boosting confidence and might be fired in 2025.

The performance of Jakub Kiwior against Bournemouth

Kiwior was acquired by Arsenal for £20 million from Italian club Spezia during the 2022–2023 winter transfer window. The Poland international is undoubtedly a gifted player, but it’s possible that he hasn’t quite been able to unite as Arteta had wanted.

Kiwior-Rice-Havertz-Trossard-1-Arsenal
Despite being sent off against the Cherries, Saliba has been a rock-hard pillar of strength for the Gunners in recent years, and he was by no means the only defender responsible for the team’s opening loss of the season.

Football.london’s Kaya Kaynak gave Kiwior a 5/10 rating in his post-match player ratings, stating: “Had been doing OK defensively but his weak pass back to Raya for the penalty was really poor.”

After Raheem Sterling was substituted for Kiwior seven minutes prior to halftime after Saliba was sent out for a last-man obstruction, Kiwior was humiliated by being pulled at the 80-minute mark.

All things considered, the 24-year-old didn’t put on a terrible show, but he showed signs of rustiness when in control, and his manager’s decision to bench him at the hour mark will irritate him.

Jakub Kiwior: Bournemouth match statistics

Stats for the Match

#

Played minutes

43′

Feelings

24

Precise passages

13/17 (76%)

Passes for keys

0

Dribbles, finished

Two (1)

Loss of possession

5 times

Interceptions plus tackles

0

Clearances

3.

Total number of duels (won)

Five (2)

stumbled over

One time

Statistics from Sofascore

Although the explosive defender’s career should not be evaluated solely on one performance, it may be time for him to look for new opportunities.

Reasons for Arsenal to sell Kiwior, Jakub

His countryman Robert Lewandowski, who is rather decent in front of goal and so understands a talented defense when he sees one, has already hailed Kiwior for his “extraordinary” talents.

Kiwior-Jakub-arsenal
We must be realistic, though, and it’s difficult to see where the Pole fits in given that he played 20 times at left-back last season and was moved from his natural position in the center by the Gunners’ imperious and unmovable (unless one gets sent off) partnership. Arteta spent about £42 million on Euro 2024 star Calafiori.

Kiwior was the focus of transfer attention this summer, much as the previously mentioned Tierney, with Arteta reportedly pondering his exit in August.

The £58k-per-week star has room to grow and has a skillful passing game that makes a compelling argument for the signing strategy and influences Arsenal’s defensive structure, but he has hardly played this season and was only brought on against Bournemouth due to extraordinary circumstances.

Even though he is among the lowest-paid first-team players on the roster, since his signing in January 2023, he has cost Arsenal about £5 million in salary. He has cost the club £25 million without having established himself, and just a few months ago he was the driving force behind Arteta’s departure. Add that to the transfer fee.

Kiwior, Nketiah, Tomiyasu, and Arsenal
Over the past few years, Arteta has shown no qualms about letting go of players who won’t advance the cause, and he will have to do so with Kiwior in 2025.

Although it doesn’t appear that the 5’11” star will replace any of his most well-known defensive teammates, this just serves to highlight Arteta’s performance. Starting a new trip in 2025 would be the greatest course of action for his career.