Arsenal Season Player Ratings

Yes, it was a disappointing season but… thank God it’s over. Here is (in my opinion) of how each major player performed this season.

Mikel Arteta – 5.5

My thoughts are all here: Why I Am Arteta Out

GOALKEEPERS:

Bernd Leno – 7

Look. Overall, it was a decent season. There were the low lights – handball and red card vs Wolves, dip in form towards the end of the season. If you have a team performing as they did, especially towards the start of the season, he did well to hold his own.

Mat Ryan – 7

A pre-assist in a tight game. Was consistent throughout.

Ok I’m going to keep it real. He is an Aussie in an Arsenal shirt. Couldn’t get enough of it.

DEFENDERS:

Kieran Tierney – 8.5

Outstanding. Out. Standing. Couldn’t have asked for anything else other than the Golden Boot or Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, easily one of the 3 best players in an Arsenal shirt. Absolutely outrageous out at LB, being a complete menace in attack and an absolute wall in defence. Plus, you can’t fault someone who scores a solo goal in the snow and then walks home with his gear in a Tesco bag. Shame to see him injured, but excited to have him back.

Gabriel – 7.5

Had some small dips in form but remained mostly consistent throughout the whole competition and was a sturdy feature in the centre of defence. With a solid and steady partner in defence, it will be great to see him excel.

David Luiz – 7

Oh don’t get me wrong, he definitely had his low points. We cannot deny however the fact that he played a vital role in helping newcomers settle into the club and was a leader on and off the field. Also came in handy in the ability to play long balls and facilitate the defence and possession.

Rob Holding – 7

It was funny to watch him play. He came up with some great quotes and moments throughout the season. In all honesty, Holdinho was solid and always performed when he was called upon. Wouldn’t mind keeping him in the club next season.

Pablo Mari – 7

Had a similar season to Holding. Solid when called upon, performed consistently well. Was also deceptively fast – he chased down Jamie Vardy for God’s sake.

Hector Bellerin – 6

Average. Since returning from injury, he hasn’t been the same. Had multiple dips in form all season and clearly just isn’t the Bellerin of old.

Cedric Soares – 6.5

Didn’t play much, however he was quite prolific at times when he was played. Did a great job in the role of a backup full back when Tierney was injured.

Callum Chambers – 6.5

Also didn’t play a lot towards the start of the season, however this man put in a shift. CB or RB, I would like to see him as a backup next season.

MIDFIELDERS:

Thomas Partey – 6.5

The big signing of the window. Watched a Spurs goal from the sideline whilst actually being in the line-up and sent about 50 soccer balls for inspection at the international space station. When he played well though, he was an influential part of the team and his ability on the ball was something to look forward to next season… if he can keep it up.

Granit Xhaka – 8

Look. I wasn’t going to rate him so highly, however, he was the utility tool of the team. When he was in CDM, even at the start of the season when we were getting hammered, he was a solid presence and an absolute focal point in the midfield. Then, when Tierney got injured, he performed well again in LB. Even though he is on the way out, he did a tremendous job this season as one of the unsung heroes.

Dani Ceballos – 5

Was just very meh. That’s all. Never really broke into the starters or found form. I saw him as an underrated talent, but he was overall disappointing.

Emile Smith-Rowe – 8

I liked him this season. I really did. I wanted him to start this season, but even when he didn’t, he was tremendous on the ball. Was the thing we were crying out for in attack in the way he dropped between the lines and picked up the ball to play the killer pass. Even at LM, he was brilliant. I would be comfortable and confident if he started as CAM next season.

Martin Odegaard – 7.5

A great loanee signing. Took him a while to get off the block but showed how well the attack can perform when there is someone pulling the strings behind them. Shame that Madrid recalled him, and we weren’t able to see what could have been.

Mohammed Elneny – 7

He only scores bangers.

ATTACKERS:

Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang – 6.5

Coming off such great form leading into the season, he was possibly the most disappointing of all of the players. Never got going. Couldn’t spark anything at the start of the season as well as throughout. Sad.

Alexandre Lacazette – 8

Another contender for player of the season. Stayed solid and content even when he wasn’t consistently started but did his job when he was needed. The Golden Boot winner for the club. If he isn’t sold, I won’t complain.

Bukayo Saka – 9

The bright spark. The shining force. Through the slump, the revival and the return, he was terrific in everything he did. The only thing to call him out for was a slight goal drought, however, he made up for it with his assists. Beautiful performances, brilliant presence – GIVE. US. MORE.

Nicolas Pepe – 8.5

After a slow start, he turned it up. He REALLY turned it up towards the end of the season. Scored goals for fun in the dying stages of this season and leaves him with gargantuan promise leading into next season.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7

Start the man. Please. Give him minutes.

Willian – 5

Oh God. Yeah he picked up assists here and there, but the overall season – ugh.

PLAYER OF THE SEASON:

1st. Bukayo Saka – 9

2nd. Kieran Tierney – 8.5, Nicolas Pepe – 8.5

3rd. Alexandre Lacazette – 8, Emile Smith-Rowe – 8, Granit Xhaka - 8

Who are you most excited to see next season?