Ferdinand: Konsa 'deserves a wage bump' for late block vs Forest

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Rio Ferdinand believes Ezri Konsa answered his doubters in style during Arsenal's match against Nottingham Forest, pointing to a crucial late tackle as proof of why the Gunners brought the defender to the Emirates in the first place.

Konsa arrived at Arsenal in the summer following his move from Aston Villa, and while some supporters have questioned the outlay given his profile, his performances since joining the club have given Arsenal plenty of reason for encouragement. Against Forest, his intervention late in the game helped the north London side protect their result as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.

Ferdinand singles out Konsa's block

Speaking via the Metro, Ferdinand praised both Declan Rice and Konsa for decisive defensive moments in the match, but it was the centre back's contribution that drew the strongest reaction from the former Manchester United defender.

'I saw Declan make a block near the end as well. The block Konsa made at the end of the game, oh my god that's a matchwinner. He deserves a bump up in wages just for that alone,' Ferdinand said.

'Huge, huge moments. I see people try to hammer Konsa and say why have we bought Konsa? That's why, because he's consistent and he's solid.'

Answering the doubters

Konsa's move to Arsenal arrived with a point to prove for some supporters, given the fee involved and the fact he was arriving from a mid table side rather than a traditional top six club. He had, however, already established himself as a reliable top flight defender during his time at Villa Park, including a Europa League triumph.

Since joining Arsenal, Konsa has shown the kind of consistency Ferdinand referenced, with displays that have steadily chipped away at scepticism around the signing. Moments like his late block against Forest are the sort that tend to stick in supporters' minds, particularly when they directly protect a result.

Questions over the fee Arsenal paid may linger in some quarters, but performances of this nature make the case for the transfer more effectively than any statistic could. Mikel Arteta's side need defenders capable of standing firm when games are in the balance, and Konsa's recent form suggests he can be exactly that.

If he continues at this level, Konsa looks set to keep building his reputation among the Arsenal faithful as the season progresses.