Arsenal: Complete 2018/19 season player ratings

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal (L) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Hector Bellerin – 7.25

Injuries happen. And when they do, no one ever wins. Hector Bellerin could not do anything about his injuries, the first a twisted knee that kept him out of a month and then a torn ACL very quickly upon his return. His absence, though, was noticeable on the rest of the Arsenal team.

Unai Emery clearly wanted to play predominantly with a back four. He also did not trust anyone else to play in a traditional right-back role. So when Bellerin went down, the rest of the team struggled greatly as a result. The Spaniard, even when being a full-back, was integral to Emery’s thinking.

And for good reason. He was playing very well prior to the two injuries. His athleticism was noticeable as he bounded up and down the right flank and his defensive positioning certainly improved as well. This was a good season for Bellerin, his best in three years.