The first half of the 2024/25 season for Arsenal has been an interesting few months. We’ve seen great wins, disappointing loses, late drama, controversial decisions and some bad, bad injury luck.
Despite all that, Arsenal still sit in a comfortable 2nd position, are 3rd in the UEFA Champions League standings, and in a cup semi-final. So here’s my ratings for every Arsenal men’s first team player so far this campaign.
DAVID RAYA: 9/10
Starting off with arguably Arsenal’s player of the season so far. David Raya has been absolutely outstanding in pretty much every aspect in the opening months of the season. The Spaniard has barely put a foot wrong and come up with some incredible saves in big moments to help Arsenal win games, with saves vs Aston Villa and Atalanta living long in the memory.
NETO: N/A
The Brazilian goalkeeper has yet to make his Arsenal debut since arriving on loan from AFC Bournemouth
WILLIAM SALIBA: 8/10
Same old story for Arsenal’s gem of a centre-half. The Frenchman just continues to perform and impress week after week with his defending and has been a threat in the opposition box too. Here’s hoping Arsenal can keep Real Madrid away…
KIERAN TIERNEY: N/A
Arsenal’s number three has played just one game this season as his time in North London winds dowm
BEN WHITE: 6/10
Arsenal’s Mr Consistent was having a solid start to the season before surgery reduced him to the sidelines, however White should soon be back which will be good news to every Arsenal fan
GABRIEL MAGALHÃES: 8/10
They say best things come in pairs, and that would be true for Arsenal’s centre-backs. For as good as William Saliba is, Gabriel is just as impressive. Strong at the back and one of the world’s most threatening defenders from set-pieces, Arsenal’s King of Brazil has been superb once again this campaign, and his winner at White Hart Lane is arguably the most memorable moment of the season so far.
JURRIEN TIMBER: 7/10
After missing the entirely of his first season in North London due to an ACL injury, Jurrien Timber would have been raring to go at the start of this campaign, and the Dutchman has enjoyed a fine first few months. Whether it’s at left-back or right-back, Timber has been very solid for Arsenal and hopefully that continues in the second half of the season.
JAKUB KIWIOR: 5/10
Jakub Kiwior has not played too much football this season, and when he has it’s been a mixed bag. The Pole had great performances versus Monaco and Manchester United, however was probably at fault for goals conceded against Fulham and Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: 5/10
Oleksandr Zinchenko has again struggled with injury this season which has kept him out for a lot of the captain, but he’s done ok when he’s played. However the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori and emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly pushes the Ukrainian further down the pecking order.
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU: N/A
Takehiro Tomiyasu has again been kept on the sidelines for almost all of the season as the Japanese defender continues to struggle with fitness
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 7/10
Riccardo Calafiori has been another defender that has struggled with injury since his signing in N5, however he’s been impressive when he’s played and has already won the hearts of Arsenal fans. Here’s hoping the second half of the campaign is more injruy-free for the Italian.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 7/10
Like Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly is not officially registered as a first-team player, however the 18-year old has been a part of pretty much every first team squad this season so both youngsters feature in this list. Lewis-Skelly has shown incredible levels of maturity beyond his age on the pitch this season, in recent weeks he has started multiple consecutive matches at left-back and has impressed, including a POTM performance vs Ipswich Town.
THOMAS PARTEY: 7/10
Many had written off Thomas Partey after another injury-hit season last season, however the Ghanian has been impressive for Arsenal so far this season and has looked strong and composed in midfield for the Gunners this season, and has arguably been their best midfielder so far.
DECLAN RICE: 7/10
It would take something incredible for Declan Rice to match the start to the season he made last season, and whilst he hasn’t quite done that, Arsenal’s record signing has still been very solid. His set-piece deliveries in particular have been a big catalyst in Arsenal’s play and a big reason why their so dangerous from those areas.
JORGINHO: 6/10
Jorginho has continued to be a credit to Arsenal both on and off the pitch. The Italian rarely lets Arsenal down when called upon and has been solid when played. His leadership qualities continue to be impressive too.
MIKEL MERINO: 6/10
A shoulder injury in his first training session would have been frustrating for new signing Mikel Merino, and probably typifies Arsenal’s injury luck. The Spanish midfielder has been ok so far but i’d like to see a bit more from him.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6/10
Arsenal’s performances and results whilst Martin Odegaard was out injured showed the Norwegian’s importance to Mikel Arteta’s team. The captain has had some quiet games but he’s also had games where he’s looked the world class midfielder he his and hopefully he can really step up in the second half of the season with Saka set to be out for an extended period.
ETHAN NWANERI: 7/10
The Gunners 17-year old star, just like Lewis-Skelly, has had a breakthrough season which has been coming for a while. Goals against Preston, Bolton and in the Premier League vs Nottingham Forest look to be just the start of what could be a special Arsenal career.
KAI HAVERTZ: 7/10
Arsenal’s number 29 started the campaign superbly, and whilst the last few weeks have seen a slight dip, the German still continues to be a solid, consistent player for the Gunners. A little bit more X-factor is needed, but his 12 goals in all competitions so far is a very solid return.
RAHEEM STERLING: N/A
Raheem Sterling signed on loan on deadline day but hasn’t been seen too much so far. But Saka’s absence may see the winger get more minutes in the second period of the season.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6/10
It’s been a strange season so far for Leandro Trossard. The Belgian has still come up with some big moments however his performances have often left quite a bit to be desired. There’s no doubt he will be a key player in the second period of the season though whether it be from the start or the bench.
BUKAYO SAKA: 8/10
It’s been a superb few months yet again from Bukayo Saka as Arsenal’s number seven continues to go from strengh to strengh. Goals, skills, assists he really has shown it all. However, news of him needing surgery on his hamstring will be a huge blow.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6/10
Gabriel Martinelli’s season so far has been slightly disappointing, considering the talent we all know he has. However, he still has shown quality. More is needed though in the next months…
GABRIEL JESUS: 6/10
Just like Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus has been slightly disappointing with a lot of his performances this season so far. However, five goals in two games vs Crystal Palace give hope the Brazilian can re-discover his form from his first few months in North London.