Despite coming up short again this season, Mikel Arteta’s side impressed throughout the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Yet, the same problems remain – Arsenal have again missed out on winning silverware and questions are mounting over what steps they need to take to surpass Pep Guardiola’s title machine to end their 20-year wait to win the Premier League.
‘We’ve been fighting so long for the big dream,’ Arteta said to fans on the pitch following their final game of the season against Everton. ‘We were so close. I’m so proud of the boys, so proud of the team, the fans. I’m so proud of the progress we are making.’
So close, yet so far for the Gunners. All eyes will now turn to what movements the club will make in the summer, with the Gunners needing to strengthen particularly up front.
With the curtain now drawn on the 2023-24 season Mail Sports ISAAN KHAN delivers his verdict on every player of Arsenal’s squad to feature five or more times in the top-flight this season.
DAVID RAYA: 8
Won the Golden Glove with a game to spare, and has made crucial saves in the campaign.
However is prone to an occasional clanger, as seen against Tottenham last month. This will need to be stamped out of his game next season.
AARON RAMSDALE: 6.5
Only featured twice in the league after losing his spot to Raya. When he did play, his displays occasionally featured errors and plenty of nerves. This can’t be blamed.
The pressure on his shoulders will have been immeasurable, knowing no matter what he does Raya will be returning back in goal. He is expected to leave this summer.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 9
The only outfield Arsenal player in Premier League history to play every minute in a league campaign.
Has been a rock at the back for the Gunners and showed how big a miss he was in the previous season when the Frenchman’s back injury precipitated Arsenal’s decline in the league.
GABRIEL: 8.5
A menacing presence and a real threat from corners. He missed the third league game of the season amid Saudi interest in him, but has not looked back since.
Formed a telepathic partnership with Saliba at the back. Arguably part of the best centre back pairing in the league.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: 7
Often found to be fallible in defence, which opened the door to Jakub Kiwior. But going forward he is impressive and has been a key part of the squad.
A reminder of his talents was the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich.
He came on in the second half and changed the momentum for his side.
JAKUB KIWIOR: 7
The Pole’s class came through in the end. Was hooked at half-time against Fulham on New Year’s Eve in a rare start after a plethora of injuries at left back.
This could’ve been his final chance. Yet Kiwior, who is a centre back having to fill in at full back, rebounded and became a crucial figure for Mikel Arteta amid piling injuries.
So much so, he played in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool and 0-0 draw at Manchester City.
BEN WHITE: 8.5
Mr Reliable. Was consistently at the races and much depended on by Arteta. Made that right-back position his own and one of the first names on team-sheet.
Also a nuisance at corners with his dark arts which led to multiple goals.
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU: 8
Arsenal’s most defensively solid option at left back. His 6ft 2in frame is rare for that position and he offered solidity whenever called upon.
Tomiyasu’s only downside in the campaign was the constant injuries.
DECLAN RICE: 9.5
Signing of the season? Most probably.
Shielded his backline with ease and as the season went on, contributed further in an attacking sense with vital goals — such as those against Manchester United and Luton Town — and pressing his team forward. A leader on the pitch, too.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6.5
His campaign was plagued by injury all the way up to April.
Had a great display in the 5-0 win over Chelsea but struggled in the final matches, of course not helped by a lack of match fitness from being injured for so long.
JORGINHO: 7.5
An important part of the squad, as seen by Arteta’s choice to play in the two matches against Manchester City and 3-1 victory over Liverpool. Rewarded with a new one-year contract.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 8.5
Finished the season with eight league goals and 10 assists. His class constantly shone, finding those killer passes when his team needed them most.
Odegaard’s relentless pressing off the ball also didn’t go unnoticed with the fans, that work ethic rubbing off on his team-mates, too.
KAI HAVERTZ: 8.5
What a turnaround. In first half of the season there were real worries the transfer could have really been ‘£65million down the drain’. Havertz was bereft of confidence and lost as to what his position on the pitch was.
His penalty against Bournemouth resulted in the fans rallying around him to try give him a boost.
After January he transformed into a different player, becoming a focal point up front and providing vital link-up play. Finished with 13 league goals and seven assists.
EMILE SMITH ROWE: 6
Never got going and not helped by injuries. Has lots of potential, which Arteta is aware of.
The manager has a big decision this summer as to whether he sells Smith Rowe or gives him one more season to stake his claim in the team.
FABIO VIEIRA: 6.5
Appeared early on in the season but fell away after his groin surgery in September. He is a talented player and will be hoping to make an impression in this summer’s pre-season tour.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 7
Will be disappointed with how his campaign finished. Was so crucial in the first half of the season but fell away in the final two months. Not helped by a foot injury he sustained in March.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 8
Went from a fringe squad player to a solidified starter by the end. Took Martinelli’s position with a string of outstanding displays. This includes five goals in the final seven matches.
BUKAYO SAKA: 9
Starboy. Scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in the season. Played through numerous knocks and scored vital goals. On his day he is unstoppable.
REISS NELSON: 5
Made just one league start and didn’t make the bench for the final five matches. Looks to be heading for the exit this summer.
GABRIEL JESUS: 7
A frustrating season. Showed glimpses of his class through the campaign, particularly in the Champions League. Though plagued by injury and struggled to get a real run in the team.
EDDIE NKETIAH: 6.5
Showed his ability with the chances he was given in the first three months, particularly the hat-trick against Sheffield United in October. But since then has been largely sat on the bench.
