Arsenal’s record without William Saliba has just got even worse as Mikel Arteta’s back-up plan fails against Aston Villa

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The Gunners were a dealt hammer blow against Aston Villa, letting their two-goal lead slip.

Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz had Arsenal supporters thinking they were home and dry – only to see Ollie Watkins and co provide a valiant comeback.

Having conceded two late goals, some Arsenal fans may been left wondering ‘what if’ – especially when you take William Saliba’s injury into account.

Saliba missed the Aston Villa clash due to a hamstring injury and the Frenchman’s absence in the backline undoubtedly played a part in the Gunners dropping points – something Arsenal fans have become a custom too in recent times.

• READ MORE: Arsenal fans have had a lot to say about VAR’s decision to disallow Kai Havertz’s winner against Aston Villa

Arsenal’s worrying stats without William Saliba

Saliba’s injury saw Mikel Arteta re-jig his backline, with Jurrien Timber filling at the heart of the defence.

At full-back meanwhile, Thomas Partey would earn criticism from Paul Merson for his display as a make-shift right-back.

With Watkins causing havoc in behind, the Arsenal backline never looked at ease – with Saliba’s calming presence nowhere to be seen.

The Villa draw is just yet another example of the Frenchman’s importance in North London, with the stats showcasing Arsenal’s poor record without him in the side.

Mikel Arteta’s speaks on Saliba’s injury absence

With points so precious at this point in the season, Arteta will no doubt recognise Saliba’s huge importance to the side.

Speaking after the 2-2 draw, the Arsenal boss was questioned on whether Salbia’s presence would have stopped Villa’s two goals.

“No, I think the first one, I think the centre-back is dragged out to a wide area, because the full-back is releasing. So is Mikel [Merino] that is following Tielemans in this case. And the second one is a set-piece that the central defender can be in any other position. And probably Willy wouldn’t be there in the second phase. So, yeah, not so easy to point a finger,” said Arteta – via Football.London.

Now six points behind league leaders Liverpool, Arsenal fans will want to see the 23-year-old back on the pitch as soon as possible. Arteta however is currently unsure about when he will return.

“No, not yet, I think tomorrow we’ll have more and more information. Tomorrow they will have another test on him, and I will be more clear about it.”