The 2022/23 season is over for Arsenal. And it’s a season which has seen both new and old faces become new heroes, young talents become superstars, and a lot of progress as Arsenal finish the season with a 2nd placed finish in the Premier League. Returning to the UEFA Champions League after a 7 year absence.
But who were the main standouts? Here is my ratings out of 10 for every Arsenal first team player for how they performed over the whole campaign.
AARON RAMSDALE – 8/10
Best Match: Tottenham Hotspur (A)
Aaron Ramsdale came into his second season as an Arsenal player with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. The English goalkeeper had impressed and won over the majority of the Arsenal fanbase during a strong first season where he quickly established himself as the number one after taking the position from Bernd Leno. However, the question was whether Ramsdale could continue on his impressive start in North London.
And that question was answered in positive fashion for the Englishman. Ramsdale has had another very good season which has included the same brilliant distribution, shot-stopping and laughing at opposition fans. His finest hour this season has to be the away North London Derby win where he kept Tottenham at bay multiple times to help secure a 0-2 win
MATT TURNER: 6/10
Best Match: Bodo/Glimt (A)
Matt Turner arrived from the USA to play the role as back-up goalkeeper, and the lifelong Arsenal supporter has filled that role solidly enough.
The American has had strong performances in the Europa league. However he has at times looked rather shaky. Although that should be somewhat expected for someone who does not play every week. He’s proved a solid signing.
KIERAN TIERNEY: 6/10
Best Match: FC Zurich (H)
It’s been a season of struggle for Kieran Tierney – although it has to be said it’s not entirely his fault. The Scotsman has been a fan favorite since his arrival from boyhood club Celtic in 2019. However the summer arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko saw Tierney lose his place as first choice left-back, limiting him to mostly substitute appearances.
He has still impressed at times though, with his great strike against FC Zurich in the Europa League proving a highlight. And if he does leave the club this summer, it will be sad to see him go.
BEN WHITE: 8/10
Best Match: Crystal Palace (H)
Similar to Aaron Ramsdale, many fans were sceptical about the £50 million for defender Ben White, however he had a strong first campaign in North London. And just like his teammate, White has continued to go from strengh to strengh, and has spent this season in a new position.
The move to right-back has revolutionised Arsenal and White. The defender has continued his impressive defending whilst developing going forward and having a great relationship on the pitch with Bukayo Saka. An extremely consistent player who has deserved the praise he’s got and more.
GABRIEL MAGALHÃES: 8/10
Best Match: Tottenham Hotspur (A)
Whilst Arsenal’s defence has saw major change coming out of the summer transfer window, the one part which didn’t was the presence of Gabriel at left centre-back, and for good reason.
The Brazilian has enjoyed another strong season in North London and has proven to be one of Arsenal’s most important players. Physical, strong in the tackle, good on the ball and a habit of scoring important goals, the defender can make a case for being one of the Premier League’s biggest underrated talents and rarely has a poor performance at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 8/10
Best Match: Crystal Palace (A)
Arsenal fans have had to wait a long time to see William Saliba in an Arsenal shirt, but boy has the French defender proved to be worth the wait.
The Frenchman made an immediate impact in the Arsenal defence, winning Player of the match on his Premier League debut away at Crystal Palace and didn’t look back. Continuing to put in class performance after class performance. The only thing stopping him from getting a higher rating here is the injury he suffered keeping out of the final two months of the campaign, but the stats and results since he’s been absent show how important he is to Mikel Arteta. One of the biggest talents in his position around.
JAKUB KIWIOR: 6/10
Best Match: Newcastle United (A)
It’s difficult to rate Jakub Kiwior’s first 6 months as an Arsenal player as the Pole hasn’t played a huge amount. He’s had poor performances against Sporting CP and Nottingham Forest however his performances against Chelsea and Newcastle were very impressive.
It’s been a mixed bag so far, let’s see what comes next season
ROB HOLDING: 5/10
Best Match: Bodo/Glimt (H)
Rob Holding has had a campaign with ups and downs. He has done well in the cups and Europa League. However the Englishman has struggled in the Premier League as Arsenal looks to move on the long serving defender in the coming summer transfer window.
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU: 6/10
Best Match: Liverpool (H)
Just like Kieran Tierney, the form of Ben White at right-back has seen the versatile Japanese defender struggle for game time this season. Injures have been a constant threat as well and Tomiyasu will be hoping for more opportunities next season.
He did however have a brilliant performance at left-back up against Mo Salah in the 3-2 home win over Liverpool. The talent is there for the defender if he gets the chance on a consistent basis
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: 7/10
Best Match: Manchester United (H)
The summer signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko has been a complete revolution for Mikel Arteta. The Ukrainian has fit into Arteta’s system like a glove and has become a fans favourite.
The only downside is that the role he plays in Arsenal’s team does leave us somewhat vulnerable defensively on the left-hand side. However, Zinchenko’s ability on the ball means it’s a risk that is worth taking. A brilliant footballer who still has a lot more to give.
THOMAS PARTEY: 7/10
Best Match: Brentford (A)
Thomas Partey hadn’t quite had the impact many fans hoped when the Ghanian midfielder first signed in his first two years at the club. But the 2022/23 season saw Partey really come into his own in that defensive midfield role at the base of the Arsenal midfield.
The Ghanaian has struggled towards the end of the season, but he has had a very good campaign overall and remains an extremely important player for Arsenal.
BUKAYO SAKA: 9/10
Best Match: Manchester United (H)
What more can be said about Bukayo Saka which hasn’t been said already? Arsenal’s starboy just continues to impress week after week and has once again been one of Arsenal’s best performers hitting double figures for both goals and assists in the 22/23 campaign.
Picking Saka’s best game this season is almost impossible as there’s been so many impressive performances. And the incoming news of his new contract signing will come as music to the ears of any Arsenal supporter.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 9/10 *POTS*
Best Match: Chelsea (H)
Despite Bukayo Saka’s excellent season, Martin Odegaard edges out the Hale End graduate as my 2022/23 Arsenal Player Of The Season. The Norwegian was appointed club captain at the start of the season and has responded to that new role in inspiring fashion. He’s Arsenal’s joint top scorer, best creator and is just a joy to watch when he’s at his best.
Odegaard has all the potential to become a true Arsenal legend if he sticks around long enough. Let’s hope he does.
EMILE SMITH ROWE: N/A
The 2022/23 season has been somewhat that of a write-off for the talented Smith Rowe as injures has limited him to very little gametime throughout the campaign. A full pre-season will do him good as he looks to bounce back next season
JORGINHO: 7/10
Best Match: Newcastle United (A)
Like some of the others of Arteta’s signings, some were skeptical of the arrival of Chelsea midfielder Jorginho when he arrived in January. However, the Italian midfielder quickly won over fans with his last minute strike against Aston Villa securing a win in dramatic fashion.
Jorginho has added some much needed experience to Mikel Arteta’s squad and has filled in well since his signing.
FABIO VIEIRA: 6/10
Best Match: Bodo/Glimt (H)
The £35m signing of young Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira raised eyebrows as the transfer came out of nowhere with no rumours prior to the breakthrough announcement that the FC Porto man was on his way to North London.
It’s fair to say it’s been slightly underwhelming. The midfielder has impressed at times but has also struggled. A loan to another English club to help him adapt may be the best move.
MOHAMED ELNENY: N/A
Similar to Smith Rowe, the Egyptian has barely played this season due to injury however he continues to be a useful squad player for Mikel Arteta
GRANIT XHAKA: 8/10
Best Match: Chelsea (H)
What a story this season has been for Granit Xhaka.
The more advanced role for the Swiss has reinvented himself in Arsenal’s midfield and recaptured the relationship between him and the fans. Xhaka has added more goal involvements to his game and the move to the position has majorly benefited both him and Arsenal.
If this is to be Xhaka’s last in North London, it’s been a great way to go out.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 8/10
Best Match: Fulham (A)
What. A. Signing.
There was a lot of disappointment when Arsenal missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea, but the replacement signing in Leandro Trossard from Brighton has been exceptional.
Since the Belgian arrived in January he has impressed in almost every game he’s played. With one goal and eight assists since his signing – with three coming in the away game at Craven Cottage – and so much more. He’s gone down as one of the best January signings in recent years.
REISS NELSON: 7/10
Best Match: AFC Bournemouth (H)
Reiss Nelson hasn’t had a lot of gametime this season, but he’s certainly made his mark when he has.
His incredible last second winner against AFC Bournemouth was arguably the moment of the season for Arsenal and the winger has added energy with every time he’s come on the pitch. It will certainly be a shame if he leaves in the summer.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 8/10
Best Match: Liverpool (H)
Gabriel Martinelli continued his rapid rise from the Brazilian fourth tier too one of Arsenal’s best players with his best season to date. His 15 Premier League goals makes him Arsenal’s joint top scorer and the Brazilian continuous to be a threat for any opposition defender with his pace and energy.
Just like Bukayo Saka, the forward’s potential is frankly frightening and the sky is seemingly the limit.
EDDIE NKETIAH: 7/10
Best Match: Manchester United (H)
It’s been an odd season for Eddie Nketiah. The young strikers form towards the end of the previous season saw him earn a new contract and the famous number 14 shirt.
The signing of Gabriel Jesus saw the Hale End graduate have little gametime for the first few months. However, the Brazilian’s injury at the World Cup meant the striker had a chance to shine. And he did an overall good job leading the line, with two goals – including a memorable last minute winner – against Manchester United being the main highlight
GABRIEL JESUS: 7/10
Best Match: Leicester City (H)
Gabriel Jesus’s £45m signing from Manchester City was Arsenal’s main signing and the answer to Arsenal’s striker problem.
The Brazilian number nine started like a house on a fire in North London. However, a knee injury at the World Cup kept him out for four months of the campaign. If it wasn’t for that injury, his 10 goals would’ve been much more and he could’ve been a strong shout for Arsenal’s player of the season. However, it’s been a strong first season at Arsenal for Jesus.