Aaron Ramsdale 7/10
The young English goalie showed a lot of promise and maturity in between the sticks for Arsenal this season, coming up big in games vs Liverpool away, Bournemouth at home and Spurs (A). However saying that he still does have the odd mistake in him like at Southampton at home and has been more than questioned for a lot of the goals Arsenal let in this season. Overall though a very positive and good 2nd season for Rambo and many forget how ridiculously young he is for a goalie.
Best game: Liverpool (A) PL
Worst game: Sporting (H) UEL
Best moment: Clutch save vs Bournemouth PL
Worst Moment: Gifting the opening goal vs Southampton (H) PL
Verdict: Keep, while Aaron has his critics the goalie market is very small and expensive and he’s shown multiple times this season he has what is required to play at the top level. However saying that he needs to cut out some the mistakes to be a world class goalkeeper and also he needs to save a bloody penalty at some point.
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| Aaron produced a stunning performance in the North London Derby |
Matt Turner 5/10
After a shaky start Matt Turner recovered well and has shown he has signs of being a decent back up goalie. He had a superb World Cup with the USA which did his confidence a world of good. There will still be some worry however around his ability compared to Ramsdale and a lot of Arsenal fans will be holding their breath when he deputises for the Englishman in the league.
Best game: Bodo/Glimt (A) UEL
Worst game: Zurich (A) UEL
Verdict: Keep, not much to say here, looks like a solid 2nd choice keeper. Interesting to see how he performs if thrown into to Premier League.
Benjamin White 8/10
Mr consistent, not many would have thought Ben would be this good at right back at the start of the season, a lot of us thought he’d be filling in until Tomiyasu came back to full fitness but his performances and his connection with Bukayo Saka has been simply sensational.
Best game: Chelsea (A) PL
Worst game: Manchester United (H) PL
Best moment: Every shithouse moment of the season (there’s a lot)
Worst moment: Hooked at half time vs United (H)
Verdict: New contract, his performances this season deserve it. Not many Arsenal fans would have expected just how good he was. It will be interesting to see if he Mikel keeps him right back next season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu 6/10
After missing nearly all of pre-season and Ben White having a sensational season, Tomi found it hard to lockdown a first team spot however he still had his good moments like when played left back against Liverpool and marked Salah out of the game. Tomi is still an extremely reliable squad player capable of playing across all positions in the back line.
Best game: Liverpool (H) PL
Worst game: Bournemouth (H) PL
Verdict: Keep, Tomi is an extremely good squad player who will be pushing for a starting place next season as he hopes to have an injury free season. His versatility to play anywhere across the backline makes him a huge asset for Arsenal next season.
Cedric 3/10
Not much to say while he’s had couple good appearances his time at Arsenal is mostly forgettable, despite a couple glorious photo bombs not much to say about his time at Arsenal. A successful loan move to Fulham in January hasn’t helped Arsenal in anyway.
Verdict: Sell, Arsenal might be forced to buy out his contract due to his high wages but with only a year left and Arsenal having two excellent rights backs in their squad already there looks like there’s only one way for Cedric
William Saliba 9/10
The king awaited debut season of William Saliba, I don’t think there’s been a player in Arsenal history who’s been more spoken and hyped about than Wilo. It was bizarre in the first place for a player to be bought for £30m and to be sent on loan 3 times and not be given a single chance to impress but this season Wilo finally got his chance and he exceeded expectations. The French defender formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel and was the backbone to Arsenal success this season. His importance was highlighted when he got injured and missed the end of the season , in his absence Arsenal only won 5 of their last 11 games.
Best game: Chelsea (A) PL
Worst game: West Ham (H) PL
Best moment: His goal against Bournemouth
Worst Moment: When he got injured vs Sporting, arguably the moment our season ended.
Verdict: New contract, Saka, Martinelli and Saliba all had two years left on their respective contracts last summer so it was vital to get them all resigned by start of this summer and Saliba always looked the hardest of the three however after months of speculation Wilo looks set to sign a new deal which is a huge coup for Arsenal considering Wilo snubbed interest from Real Madrid and other top European clubs. Saliba is one of Europe’s top talents and is absolutely crucial to Arsenal future.
Gabriel 8/10
We all knew Gabriel talents before this season but he has really taken his game up to another level this season. Saliba may get all the praise but Gabriel consistent performances have gone extremely under the radar. Another very good season for Gabriel.
Best game: Leicester (A) PL
Worst game: Forest (A) PL
Best moment: Either his redemption moment vs Fulham (H) or that extremely underrated tackle vs Villa (A).
Worst moment: Any game playing with Rob Holding
Verdict: Keep, undoubtedly keep, his partnership with Saliba is seriously underrated and one of the best in the league. Will be key for Arsenal future seasons.
Rob Holding 3/10
Rob what can you even say anymore. I’m not blaming Holding for Arsenal title collapse because in hindsight Arteta should have known Holding was no where near the level required to play in title race. However saying that judging his performances from the games where he was forced to replace Saliba, it’s been an extremely disappointing season for Rob who is looking likely to leave this summer.
Best game: Bodo/Glimt (H)
Worst game: Southampton (H)
Best moment: His goal at City (A)
Worst moment: Any performance from Liverpool (A) to City (A)
Verdict: sell, unfortunately Rob time at Arsenal is surely up. He seems like a great character around the dressing room however if Arsenal want to sustain this competition level with Man City, Liverpool etc they need to be ruthless. It’s shame as he had a very good 21/22 barring the Spurs game but this season has certainly been one to forget for Rob.
Jakob Kiwior 6/10
We had to wait till May to see Kiwior in the starting 11 and we got mixed reports. After two very solid games against Chelsea and Newcastle he followed it up with two bad performances against Brighton and Forest and then a good performance at left back against Wolves. He certainly looks like he has potential and looks good back up for Gabriel.
Best game: Newcastle (A) PL
Worst game: Brighton Hove and Albion (H) PL
Best moment: Debut goal vs Wolves (H)
Worst moment: Bizarre moment vs Brighton for the 2nd goal.
Verdict: Keep, fairly obviously unless a massive offer comes in for him, solid start to his Arsenal career looking forward to seeing him next season.
Zinchenko 8/10
In truth a revolutionary signing who has been pivotal to the way Arsenal play and their success this season. While his defensive side of the game can still be questioned his impact when in possession is massive. The drop off when he doesn’t play is noticeable.
Best game: Newcastle (H)
Worst game: Newcastle (A)
Best moment: That equaliser vs Villa (A) and his passionate celebrations
Worst moment: Trent nutmeg on him leading to the equaliser in Anfield.
Verdict: Keep, even though he had a bit of shaky end to the season, his importance is hugely highlighted whenever he doesn't play as Arsenal are significantly weaker and lack his presence when in possession of the ball.
Kieran Tierney 4/10
A player who is personally a massive fan favourite but unfortunately due to the evolution of Arsenal system and play style looks set to leave. When he has come in for Zinchenko the drop off has been noticeable and he just can’t do the same role as the Ukrainian. In my opinion he still has his uses but I don’t think Arteta shares the same view.
Best game: Newcastle (A)
Worst game: West Ham (A)
Verdict: Sell, in my personal opinion I think Arsenal shouldn’t sell Tierney to another PL team unless a huge offer comes in but I think with Arsenal probably needing to generate a couple some funds this summer selling Tierney might become a requirement.
Thomas Partey 7/10
It’s a real shame how Thomas Partey season ended cause barring the last 11 games of the season he would be in the talk of not just Arsenal player of the season but potentially in the conversation for Premier League player of the season. If you told Arsenal fans that Partey would be dropped from the starting 11 for the last couple of crucial games in Arsenal title run in it would of been almost unthinkable due to his importance in Arsenal’s team. His drop off in performances for the last couple of games of the season were extremely alarming considering how dominant and exceptional he had been all season.
Best game: Spurs (H)
Worst game: Man City (A)
Best moment: Goal vs Spurs (H)
Worst moment: Mistake in the West Ham game which started their comeback.
Verdict: Keep, with only two years left on his deal there maybe is an argument you could sell but people still can’t forget how good he was prior to the March Internationals. One thing is for sure Arsenal can’t keep relying on Partey especially with his fitness record that’s why it’s so vital a midfielder is brought in this summer.
Jorginho 7/10
I was extremely underwhelmed when we signed Jorginho, I think it more the effort we went to with Caicedo and also our recent history of Chelsea players over the age of 30 however Jorgi has certainly proved me wrong and many others wrong. He’s come in and done his job when needed. He even replaced Thomas Partey in the starting 11 towards the end of the season and that moment against Villa will be remembered for some time among Arsenal fans.
Best game: Newcastle (A)
Worst game: Brighton (H)
Best moment: Winning shot/goal vs Villa (A)
Worst moment: Debut vs Everton (A)
Verdict: Keep, I think I’d keep Jorginho unless a huge offer came in. With Granit likely leaving you’re not only losing a good midfielder but an experienced player which every young squad needs. I think keeping Jorgi around for another season won’t do any harm especially with Champions League football this season.
Granit Xhaka 8/10
Just simply put a sensational season for Granit, his redemption arc at Arsenal is complete. The Swiss midfielder took his game to another level this season and Arsenal were significantly worse when he wasn’t in the starting 11. To think in October 2019 he was captain and he was booed off the pitch by his own fans and fast forwards to May 2023 his own fans are begging him to stay to turn around has been quite unbelievable.
Best game: Wolves (H)
Worst game: Man City (H)
Best moment: Goal vs Spurs, block vs Newcastle (A) you pick there’s too many.
Worst Moment: Scuffle with Trent vs Liverpool (A)
Verdict: Sell, if it was my choice I’d keep him for one more season but I can understand why Granit wants to leave with Declan Rice and Caicedo linked to come in, he doesn’t want to waste his prime years on the bench. No matter what happens Granit deserves huge credit for his Arsenal career and the dedication and determination to turn around his Arsenal career.
Mohammed Elneny 6/10
Hard to rank Mo this season due to his injury ridden season but did okay when he came in and played will be interesting to see does he stick around for next season obviously plays a huge role in the dressing room and his commitment cannot be questioned either.
Verdict: Keep, Mo is a bit of difficult player to get give a verdict on because he clearly plays a huge role in the dressing room but I doubt he’ll get many minutes next season, saying that with his injury it will be hard to sell him, I don’t have a problem with Arsenal keeping him for the season.
Albert Sambi Lokonga 4/10
A really disappointing season for Sambi who had a very good pre-season but after a promising start to the season, some very average performances in the cups and Europe followed and after a disastrous 2nd half appearance vs Man City in the cup a loan move to Palace to play under Patrick Vieira was sanctioned. However Vieira was sacked in March so Sambi barely got a chance to showcase his talents and Roy Hodgson only gave him sun appearances after that.
Verdict: Sell, I held high hopes for Sambi this season but unfortunately it just looks like the writings on the wall for the Belgian. Arsenal will be lucky to receive half of what they paid for the Jim from Anderlecht in 2019. Maybe one more loan might do him no harm but it will definitely be his last chance then.
Fabio Vieira 5/10
Fabio had high expectations when brought in and he’s shown glimpses of his talents in his first season but overall I think all of us expected a lot more from him. He went hiding in lot games this especially in the Premier League. He is still young and has a lot of time to improve but certainly the pressure will be on to perform next season.
Best game: Bodo/Glimt (H) UEL
Worst game: Southampton (H)
Best moment: Goal vs Brentford (A)
Worst moment: Hiding in some big games.
Verdict: Keep or Loan: He is still a young player and I think it's clear to see whenever he plays he clearly has potential but it's all about using that potential, with the imminent arrival of more midfielders next season he really has to step it up and perform if he is retain the trust of Mikel Arteta next season.
Martin Odegaard 9.5/10 (Player of the season)
This was always gonna be a huge season for Martin considering he was given the captains armband and he certainly lived up to expectations of it. Martin has been a gorgeous player to watch this season and has been one of the spearheads to Arsenal unlikely title challenge this season. Arsenal joint top goal scorer in the Premier League this season along with Martinelli which was something he was heavily criticised for last season, not scoring enough goals. It still hard to believe he’s only 24 and isn’t even near his prime age, whatever success Arsenal have in the couple of years you would imagine Odegaard will be pivotal to it.
Best game: Brighton (A)
Worst game: Everton (A)
Best moment: Too many to choose from but I’ll go with the goal vs Spurs in the derby.
Worst moment: Went missing in both games vs Man City.
Verdict: New contract, Odegaard may have 4 years left on his current deal but with his performances this season he deserves a new deal and Arsenal need to make sure to keep their top talents in North London which they have done with Saka, Martinelli and etc and Odegaard and Saliba is certainly the next two players on that list.
Bukayo Saka 9/10
The poster boy, the franchise player, the star boy, another spectacular season from Bukayo Saka who is now undoubtedly the face of Arsenal. After a slightly slow start to the season Saka picked up form just before the World Cup break with important vital goals and excellent performances against Liverpool, Leeds, Chelsea and many more. He’s often been Arsenal clutch player this season with 11 of his 14 goals in the Premier League either being equalisers or goals that have given Arsenal the lead, he the player when it’s not going Arsenal way he’ll take the game by the scruff of the neck. His performances against Liverpool, Manchester United etc have been special this season. One thing that is vital for next season Arsenal have to find reliable cover for Saka as he’s been absolutely over used these last three seasons and his fatigue was obvious in the title run as his performances dropped.
Best game: Man United(H)
Worst Game: Forest (A)
Best moment: His stunning goal vs Man United
Worst moment: His penalty miss vs West Ham (A)
Verdict: Keep, while all the talk will be about Rice and other targets this summer you can argue Arsenal have got their most important bit of business done this summer already in securing Saka to a new deal. You cannot not disregard the importance of securing Saka to a new deal, every club in Europe would of been ringing his agent if Arsenal weren’t able to get it done but to tie down one of the top talents in Europe is a significant bit of business.
Gabriel Martinelli 9/10
We all knew Gabi’s talents before this season but something he had always struggled to do was score goals on a consistent basis however this year he exploded in terms of goals and assists. This has been season where Gabi has really matured and his physicality has gone up another level which has made him a constant threat every game. 15 goals in the league this season is seriously impressive return for the Brazilian. His impressive performances this season even earned him a spot on the Brazil World Cup squad.
Best game: Liverpool (H)
Worst game: Brentford (H)
Best moment: His goal in the opening seconds vs Liverpool.
Worst moment: His performances from January to mid February.
Reiss Nelson 7/10
It was make or break season for Reiss Nelson and with a brand new contract in the pipeline it looks like a make season and a season which we all hope will finally kick start his Arsenal career. I think every Arsenal fan will remember where they were when Reiss Nelson hit that glorious last minute volley against Bournemouth to complete a magnificent comeback which is undoubtedly the highlight of Arsenal season and will be moment that will go down in Emirates folklore even though they weren’t able to secure the league title after. While that moment was incredible some of Reiss’s cameos off the bench were always impressive and I certainly think he’s deserving of a new contract.
Best game: Forest (H) or Bournemouth (H)
Worst game: Sporting (A) UEL
Best moment: I mean come on you know the answer.
Worst moment: N/A
Emile Smith Rowe 4/10
A really frustrating and bizarre season for Emile Smith Rowe this season. After being Arsenal 2nd highest goalscorer the season before only being beat by Saka it was quite clear he played the second half of the season through a injury of some sort so many expected him to rest and recover over the summer and come back firing like he did during the first half of the 21/22 season. However after missing all of preseason through injury, Emile returned only for a couple of substitute appearances until he reinjured his groin in warm down. This injury required surgery putting him out of action till after the World Cup break but even when he was back in the squad maybe not fully match fit but certainly fully recovered Arteta rarely used him and only gave him the rare opportunity in games. A really disappointing season for Emile who’s had his bad luck with injuries etc but you certainly feel next season is a make or break season.
Verdict: Keep, I think Arsenal fans were all relieved when we saw the article from David Ornstein saying Smith Rowe is likely to stay at Arsenal this summer as even though he had a poor season he really wasn’t given any chances and we all know what he’s capable of and the talent and potential he holds. It’s an absolutely massive season next year for Emile, one that will likely determine his Arsenal career path.
Leonardo Trossard 8/10
While some might criticise Edu transfers over the past couple of seasons, Trossard has been one of Arsenal top coups of the Edu era along with Odegaard, White, Gabriel etc. Everybody knew Arsenal needed reinforcements in January especially in attack and it came in the form Trossard who has been sensational since signing from Brighton. While it’s hard to believe the Belgian only scored the one goal since signing only Kevin De Bryne has most assists than him since signing. A really good acquisition from Arsenal, a player who can play anywhere across the frontline and will be important in the league and Champions league next season.
Best game: Fulham (A)
Worst game: Brighton (H)
Best moment: That first half hat trick assists against Fulham.
Worst moment: Back pass vs Brighton which led to the second goal.
Verdict: Keep, obvious keep will be great squad player in the all four competitions next season and certainly is capable of playing at Champions League level.
Eddie Nketiah 6/10
Maybe a bit harsh but after a really good end to the season last year I expected a bit more from Eddie this season. In the early part of the season he made a difference off the bench but was always really just to hold out game and nothing more. He had the responsibility of replacing Jesus when he picked up his injury in the World Cup and he certainly filled in to great effect with some great performances away to Spurs and Brighton and more importantly being the match winner against Manchester United. However after that Man United game his performances dropped most likely down to fatigue and a slight injury and he was never able to fully recover his performances hence the lower rating.
Best game: Man United (H)
Worst game: Man City (H)
Best moment: Last minute winner vs United (H)
Worst moment: Missing three sitters vs City (H)
Verdict: Keep, this might be extremely controversial and I think it’s very unlikely but if I had the chance and the right offer came in for Eddie I think I’d sell. I think Eddie will be a top top striker in the right team but I just don’t think he suits Arsenal play style. His sub cameos off the bench at the start of the season were really promising but his performances towards the end of the season were a bit worrying and I just don’t think he’s the ability to play at the highest level. To be clear I think he’ll stay but if I had choice between him and Balogun I think I’d definitely keep the USA striker over the Englishman.
Gabriel Jesus 8/10
A solid first season for Gabriel Jesus who was Arsenal marquee signing last summer when he arrived from Manchester City for £45m. The difference he made was highlighted in the early months of the season while he didn’t score enough goals for a title challenging team he made his teammates around him so much better, that’s why everyone was extremely concerned for Arsenal when he was hit with a knee injury that would require surgery at the World Cup. On his return from injury Gabi wasn’t bad by any means but certainly not the same player he was in the first half of the season. Saying that 17 g/a in only 24 PL starts is still an impressive return, certainly expect Jesus to be part of Arsenal future.
Best game: Leicester (H)
Worst game: Southampton (H)
Verdict: Keep, solid first season in the book for Gabi. However will certainly need to chip in with a couple more goals next season. Will be an crucial part of Arsenal future going forward.
Players on loan:
Nuno Tavares: Sell, there's a player in there somewhere with Nuno and I think he'd be best utilised as more of an attacking player than a defender and after a solid season in France it will be interesting to see what Arsenal decide to do with him especially if Kieran Tierney leaves the club. Saying that I think it's very likely Arsenal with part ways with Nuno this summer especially with his value at a small high from his loan move where he scored an impressive six goals, I would imagine he would however get the pre-season to try fight and impress Mikel Arteta.
Auston Trusty: Sell, I would be absolutely stunned if Auston Trusty actually plays a game for Arsenal. A bizarre signing brought in from Colorado in January 2022, however it looks like Arsenal are set to make a nice profit on the American international who had a fantastic loan spell at Birmingham this season which saw him fans player of the season. Interest in Trusty is high with Rangers set to be frontrunners for him.
Marquinhos: Loan, big season ahead for Marquinhos who started his Arsenal career so promising last season however had a difficult loan spell with a bad Norwich side post January. Another loan will most likely be the decision this summer, one where he'll get regular consistent minutes, Arsenal may look at the success their players are having in France on loan and may consider sending the Brazilian there for the coming season. 
Folarin Balogun: Sell, if this was my decision I would 100% keep as I think Balogun has a freighting amount of potential however I think Arsenal are likely to cash in on Balogun after a spectacular season with Reims in France where the newly capped American scored 21 goals which was only topped by Mbappe, Lacazette and Jonathan David. If Arsenal are to sell they need to be strong in negotiations as considering Balogun age any top club would be demanding at least £45m if not even more. I really hope Balo at least gets a chance in pre-season as he's Hale End boy and it would be so great to see another player born and raised in Hale End and make it on the senior team. I really don't think it's ridiculous to say he could seriously give Jesus some much needed competition up front.
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