The Qatar World Cup is taking place and that means that the 2022/23 campaign is currently nearing it’s halfway stage. And the season so far has been one to make every Arsenal fan around the world feel a sense of joy and excitement as Mikel Arteta’s side head into the festive season five points clear and the star at the top of the Premier League tree.
Pretty much every player has impressed, but who stands out on top? Here is my ratings for every Arsenal first team player so far this season out of a possible high of ten.
AARON RAMSDALE: 8/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Leeds (A) performance
Having assumed the No.1 shirt from the departing Bernd Leno, the young stopper could have crumbled under the pressure after a superb first campaign in London following his move from Sheffield United. However the Englishman continues to prove his doubters wrong with solid performances week in week out both with his hands and his distribution from the back. Agile, confident, commanding, brillant with the ball at his feet and a fantastically relatable personality to boot, it’s not hard to see why the Stoke born goalkeeper has become such a fan-favourite so quickly in N5.
MATT TURNER: 7/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Bodo/glimt (A) Performance
After a few shaky signs in pre-season, some were ready to write off the summer signing of American shot-stopper Matt Turner after only a few weeks in England. However, the USA international quickly put those doubts to bed with a number of impressive performances when given the chance in the group stages of the Europa League – particularly a MOTM performance away in Norway at Bodo/Glimt. Just like Aaron Ramsdale, Turner’s passion and personality made him instantly popular with much of the Gunners fanbase and his lifelong love for the North London club is an added bonus. Turner has continued his form into the World Cup with his country and looks to be a fantastic backup addition for the squad.
BEN WHITE: 9/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Assist vs Southampton (A)
Another signing which many within the Arsenal fanbase seemed sceptical about, Ben White continues to go from strength to strength with every passing game. A solid first season at centre-back has been followed up by an even better season so far in 22/23 – and in a different position.
The £50m man has lived up to the expensive price tag, putting in continuously strong performances every week in a position which he has suited into effortlessly. Strong defensively, great on the ball and growing stronger going forward, the season so far for Ben White is right up there with some of the strongest in the squad and a good case can be made for him being Mikel Arteta’s most consistent asset. His brilliant cross to assist Granit Xhaka’s opener at St. Mary’s stands out as the defender’s most impressive moment so far but that first Arsenal goal can’t be too far away as he continues to grow into that right-back position.
CEDRIC SOARES: N/A
Barely played due to injury
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU: 7/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Liverpool (H) performance
After struggling with an injury throughout the summer, Takehiro ‘Tomi’ Tomiyasu had to wait a while to make an appearance following on from an impressive first campaign in the Premier League. However when he did get that first start – against Liverpool at home, in a position at left-back where he may not be comfortable with – the Japanese international was nothing short of immense against one of the best wingers in the world in Mo Salah. Tomiyasu gave the Egyptian nothing to feed off of and Arteta’s decision to throw him in proved to be a masterstroke.
A few solid performances followed, but the brilliance and importance of that performance vs Liverpool cannot be underestimated
ROB HOLDING: 6/1O SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Goal vs Bodo/Glimt (H)
Rob Holding has done what Rob Holding does, put in decent performances when needed in the cups and helps to see out Premier League outings when needed. Does what it says on the tin and does it well.
GABRIEL: 8/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Scoring winner vs Chelsea (A)
The 22/23 season so far for Gabriel has been one could be turned into multiple movies. However, they would all have to have a happy ending.
The Brazilian defender never seems to have a dull moment and always seems to have a say in the game – for either good or bad and often seems to have a mistake in him – but always seems to make up for it later on. He may have been at fault for going 0-1 down Vs Fulham, but was in the headlines for the right reasons in the end after scoring a late winner. And it was a similar story against liverpool as he could have done better for Nunez’s equaliser, but recovered and put in a strong second half performance, contributing to a famous win. The 24 year old’s winner from close-range at Stamford Bridge was his latest important goal and he has enjoyed a fine season overall – and his form has been rewarded with a brand new long-term contract.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 9/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: MOTM performance vs Crystal Palace (A)
A Rolls-Royce of a centre-back. William Saliba’s long-awaited return to Arsenal has proved to be worth the wait. The 21 year old Frenchman has wowed everyone with his performances which have included multiple MOTM displays against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth as well as two goals and 1 assist. Strong, tall, quick, great in the air and on the ball, Saliba really does have it all and his new contract HAS to be considered a priority for Arteta and Edu Gaspar. A future star in the making and can put in a strong case for being the best centre-back in the Premier League so far this campaign.
Saliba has passed almost every test so far, and like many of his Arsenal colleagues, the sky is seemingly the limit for the Frenchman and he undoubtedly has a brilliant future ahead of him.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: 7/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Home debut performance Vs Leicester (H)
A technical wizard and boyhood Gooner. Arsenal’s £30m summer signing has fitted into Arteta’s inverted LB role like a glove. The Ukrainian has looked brilliant in and out of possession and the only thing that has held him back so far has been a few unfortunate injures and there is no doubt that the passionate full-back/midfielder will be a strong success at the Gunners.
It’s been encouraging so far, but it’s clear to see that there is still so much more to see and show from Zinchenko.
KIERAN TIERNEY: 7/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Winner vs FC Zurich (H)
The summer arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko has understandably halted the gametime of the fiery Scotsman, but after a slow start, Kieran Tierney has shown he still has a major part to play at Emirates Stadium.
A number of strong performances both domestically and on the European stage has proven to Mikel Arteta that the fan favorite is still a quality option to have. And if he can force his injury problems behind him, i have no doubt he can become a regular starter once again but having a player of Tierney’s quality as a backup shows the strength we have in that position.
THOMAS PARTEY: 8/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: North London Derby screamer
After two seasons of inconsistency, a new slightly more defensive role hoped to bring more from Arsenal’s undoubtedly talented midfielder – and that’s exactly what we have seen.
A brilliant footballer and arguably the closest thing we have to world-class, the DM position has proved to be Partey’s best. Athletic, smart, great vision, strong and a big presence makes the Ghanian the most important cog in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal machine. Even long-range goals have been added to Partey’s game and his fitness may prove vital in the Gunners season ambitions. His screamer from distance to open the scoring in the North London Derby proves to be a particular highlight.
GRANIT XHAKA; 9/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Derby goal vs Spurs
The redemption story of the season.
Granit Xhaka has long divided opinion, but I’m not sure even fans of the Swiss could see the form he has shown so far this season coming. Xhaka’s form has been strong for a while, but this season – in a more advanced role – has got the best out of him and then some.
The box-to-box role has proved perfect for the experienced former captain. Adding more goals and assists (3 and 3) to his game and has become an immensely important player for Mikel Arteta in a midfield that has looked really strong and balanced.
The only shame is that he’s just turned 30, but let’s hope this incredible run of form does not end any time soon.
ALBERT SAMBI LOKONGA: 5/10
22/23 has been one of disappointment for Sambi lokonga. The young Belgian has mostly struggled in midfield when given chances in Arsenal’s midfield in both the Premier League and Europa league in both a defensive and box-to-box role.
A loan away could prove to be the best for Lokonga, but he’ll need to perform quickly if he is too have a future in North London
MOHAMMED ELNENY: N/A
The Egyptian has barely featured due to injury, but his return will be welcome as he continues to be a strong squad player for Mikel Arteta
FABIO VIEIRA: 6/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Goal vs Brentford (A)
Young attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira had a lot of pressure on his shoulders the minute he stepped into London Colney for the first time. As his surname is one which is legendary throughout N5.
The signing came out of the blue and with a lot of excitement. And a strong start despite limited gametime helped continue the hype – with a great goal from distance away at Brentford being the highlight. A few quiet performances followed, but the Portuguese is clearly very talented with the ball at his feet and a technically gifted player like him can only be a success at a club like Arsenal
EMILE SMITH ROWE: N/A
A recurring groin injury has meant the Hale End graduate hasn’t been able to feature so far this season, but all Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting his return in 2023
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 8/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Brace Vs Wolves (A)
The newly-appointed captain had a strong first campaign as a full Arsenal player. And has continued to go from strength to strength even with the added pressure of the armband.
A fantastic passer and dribbler and amazing to watch with the ball at his feet – as well as an extremely hard worker – the Norwegian has proved an excellent choice as captain and his 6 goals in the premier league makes him Arsenal’s top scorer so far. A brace away at Wolves to send his side 5 points clear has been the captain’s best moment so far in 22/23.
BUKAYO SAKA: 8/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Brace vs Liverpool (H)
Bukayo Saka, Starboy, one of our own and the brightest jewel in our crown of young talents.
So much has already been said about this incredibly talented young man, yet so much more can still be said. His potential is scary and the winger is a vital player for Mikel Arteta as he continues to shine on the right-wing and perform in the biggest moments and in the biggest games
Goals, Assists, chance creating and successful dribbles, Saka really can do it all and we all can’t wait to see just how far he can go. Just sign that new contract please Bukayo.
MARQUINHOS: 6/10. SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Goal and Assist vs FC Zurich (A)
Not much was known of 19 year-old Brazilian winger Marquinhos as he made the move to North London, but despite the initial plans to send him out on loan the forward made such an early impression that he earned some first team appearances alongside impressing in the academy side.
And he has shown promise – especially with a MOTM performance away at FC Zurich, where he grabbed a goal and an assist. The young, tricky winger is certainly one to keep an eye on heading into the second half of the season as a loan move beckons.
EDDIE NKETIAH: 7/10. SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Goal vs Brighton (H)
A lot of pressure was put on the shoulders of Eddie Nketiah as the striker inherited the famous no.14 shirt after an impressive end to the 21/22 season. And although his gametime has been limited, he has mostly impressed.
Strong substitute cameos against Fulham, Leicester, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa were followed by goals against Bodo/Glimt, Zurich and Brighton in the Carabao Cup. However, he has been quiet at times, and he will surely look to improve in the second half of the season.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 8/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Opener vs Liverpool (H)
Another immensely talented young player, Gabriel Martinelli’s rise has been one of unprecedented speed.
The Brazilian has landed himself a position as one of the first names on Arsenal’s team sheet – incredibly impressive considering he was playing in the lower leagues of Brazil only 4 years ago. But one watch of the energetic winger shows that it’s more than deserved. Rapid, skillful and an eye for goal, Martinelli is another who’s potential is somewhat frightening. His 5 goals in 14 premier league games is encouraging, but there’s no doubt there is still so much more to come.
REISS NELSON: 7/10 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Brace Vs Nottingham Forest (H)
22 Year-old Reiss Nelson has struggled with injury throughout the majority of the 22/23 campaign so far, however has still made an impression.
Bukayo Saka’s injury at home to Nottingham Forest provided Nelson with an opportunity to remind fans what he can do, and his two goals and one assist stole the headlines in a thumping victory. The winger also impressed in Arsenal’s carabao cup defeat to Brighton and will be looking forward to more chances to impress in the second half of the season.
GABRIEL JESUS: 9/10. SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Home Debut performance vs Leicester
My Arsenal player of the season so far (just)
There was a lot of hype surrounding the £45 million signing of Gabriel Jesus from Man City and boy has he repaid the faith shown in him by Mikel Arteta.
The 25 year-old started like a house on fire in red and white with 3 MOTM awards in his first 4 games as an Arsenal player. And although the goals have somewhat dried up as of late, his 5 goals and 6 assists so far make him Arsenal’s highest contributor.
But even that doesn’t tell the whole story. His incredible work-rate, dribbling ability and importance to Arsenal’s overall play in build-up is immense and it’s clear to see why he has already become so loved by fans and teammates alike.