5 Gunners To Look Out For In 2021

It will be interesting, to say the least, to see how Arsenal’s season pans out. They currently find themselves in 11th place with 23 points – 6 points shy of the Top 6. Here are 5 pivotal players that are likely to determine the outcome of Mikel Arteta’s side’s final placing in 2021.

Number 5: Pablo Mari

I know this is an unlikely one, however, Pablo Mari has shown that he is a world class defender in the last few games. The Spaniard really broke into the first team for the first time since signing from Flamengo in the last few games.

Since his debut in a 3-1 win over Chelsea, Mari has helped Arsenal keep 2 clean sheets in 3 games in the Premier League, as well as a clean sheet recently in the FA Cup. Not the fastest of defenders, however, his calmness and solidity reminds me of Per Mertesacker. A solid partnership with Gabriel would see the Arsenal surging forward in the table.

Number 4: Thomas Partey

The deadline day signing of the June window has yet to really get a good stint in the Premier League. After joining from Atletico de Madrid for £45m ($78.8m AUD), the Ghanaian midfielder debuted in the Premier League on the 26th of October last year against Leicester City. After only 5 matches, he sustained a muscle strain in a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa. Just under a month later, he was surprisingly back on the team sheet in the North London Derby, however he was subbed off at half time as he had reaggravated his injury.

Now, back in full training, the addition of a hard-working, well rounded midfielder such as Partey would see both the Arsenal defence and attack flourish. Similar to a stronger and more physical Aaron Ramsey, Partey will be influential in Arteta’s Premier League push.

Number 3: Emile Smith-Rowe

Coming through the ranks of the Hale End academy, Emile Smith-Rowe had featured in minor games, such as early round domestic cup fixtures or the group stages of the Europa League.

Starting at CAM against Chelsea, Smith-Rowe immediately showed his skill but orchestrating the attack in a 3-1 victory at the Emirates. The way he dropped between the lines, was a constant option, picked up the ball, found passes, dribbled at defenders – it was exactly what Arsenal had been crying out for the whole season. Since the Chelsea game, Smith-Rowe has been a regular starter, averaging a chance created every 40 minutes and a goal contribution every 74 minutes as well as 2 assists in 3 Premier League appearances.

Now with Ozil departing, it seems Arteta has found his sure-fire and ready replacement to be the catalyst of the attack: the most focal point for Arsenal right now. With transfer rumours of signing Julian Brandt, Smith-Rowe’s position is not fully certified. To me, however, it would be foolish to sign a replacement when Smith-Rowe has already found his form and proven himself so far.

Number 2: Gabriel Martinelli

The addition of Martinelli back into the Arsenal squad (following a leg injury that sidelined him for multiple months) was a breath of fresh air. A very short-lived breath of fresh air. After not even a month of first team action, he hobbled off the pitch in a recent FA Cup tie (documented in the match review - click here). The youngster was reportedly “in tears” after his “boot got stuck in the ground, twisting his ankle”.

Although the severity of the injury is not yet confirmed, there is much to be excited about. The £6.7m ($11.74m AUD) signing has been brilliant in his appearances. Although not scoring since his outstanding solo goal in a 2-2 draw to Chelsea last season, the youngsters work ethic and attacking mind places him way above Willian and Pepe. Showing shades of a young Thierry Henry, Martinelli will be a massive loss if his injury sidelines him for a long time – if it doesn’t, be prepared for a mid-season charge up the table.

Number 1: Bukayo Saka

This one shouldn’t be surprising. Saka has been the standout of the season: he is one of the only players to consistently perform well, work hard and most of all, hold himself accountable.

The Hale End academy graduate has played everywhere for the Gunners so far; left back, left wing back, central midfield, left midfield, right midfield – and he has excelled everywhere. Saka’s ability on both feet, his dribbling, his football IQ for such a youngster – impressive would be an understatement. A seemingly irreplaceable point of attack. Last season, Saka was third in the Premier League for assists (1st – K. De Bruyne, 2nd – T. Alexander-Arnold, 3rd – B. Saka). What makes this more impressive is, for the vast majority of the season, Saka played at left back. Seemingly, our starboy is quite similar to Robert Pires, lacking some dribbling compared to the club legend, but proving to be much more valuable on the defensive end. A must-have in the Arsenal attack, Saka is arguably the most valuable player on the red side of North London.