Arsenal: 3 players exceeding expectations so far this season

The season is long. It’s only in its infancy. As Arsenal continue their wait for the next top-flight fixture with the ongoing international break taking centre stage, some reflections and analysis of what has already transpired can be delved into.

What has been Arsenal’s campaign so far? A game of two halves in many ways.

Absolutely atrocious for the opening three Premier League matches, distinctly improved for the following three if still not spectacular all throughout, and then finished with some middle ground in earning a point away at a side above them in the table without playing at all well.

There is an incline in the current trajectory but it’s still tough to put your finger on exactly which Arsenal team will be on show for the visit of Crystal Palace on matchweek eight.

3 players exceeding expectations so far this season for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side as the international break takes centre stage

Just as results have differed, so too have the players in the squad: some are looking sharper every week, others are struggling to hit the form they’ve shown in recent seasons.

Mikel Arteta now has his starting lineup all-but nailed down with Granit Xhaka the only absentee, partly due to some excellent starts to 2021/22 for certain individuals. Even if there was hopes of strong outings for some, three in particular have exceeded expectations.

Some conclusions are too early to draw. With so much left of the campaign to play out there is plenty of time for those in form to drop out of it just as there is scope for the few not quite hitting the mark to step up.

Yet it can be said with plenty of confidence that the following trio have hit the ground running this term, at a level above that most saw coming.

1. Aaron Ramsdale

Above than anyone else and, based on the reaction of the overwhelming majority, perhaps one of the biggest surprises in the entire division in terms of how silly he’s made a lot of people look.

Sometimes it’s really pleasant to be wrong. Welcome eggs splattered all over the face.

Aaron Ramsdale has been superb in his five matches in net for Arsenal so far, four in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup. Do those certify him as an exceptional goalkeeper and worthy of the £30m outlay? Not just yet, but there is no denying he has exceeded expectations.

Largely expected to be gradually integrated over the course of the campaign with regular outings in cup competitions and the occasional top-flight dabble, he’s instead been fast-tracked to number one and grasped it with both hands.

Most striking is how he has connected with his defenders. There is a unity, control and communication there backed up by a command of the penalty area that Bernd Leno was always guilty of lacking.

To have become a cult favourite with supporters is a credit to his character and demeanour, while in an actual goalkeeping sense he’s looked assured at high claims, dynamic with his feet and effective with his distribution.

As of right now Ramsdale has silenced so many doubters. While it’s very early days for the 23-year-old, nobody can deny that.

Continued…

2. Takehiro Tomiyasu

From the moment he signed there were questions asked over Arsenal’s recruitment strategy. Someone who spent his career operating primarily as a centre-back and plays on the left of a central duo for Japan would come in as the new right-back?

The specific ‘fit’ at Arsenal in terms of profile and character has been well discussed following the summer’s transfer activity, and in Takehiro Tomiyasu it looks as if there has been a success in both departments. Credit goes to those who unearthed this man as the fit for Arteta’s Arsenal.

Barely unpacking his bags before jumping into the starting lineup against Norwich, Tomiyasu followed on from that impressive debut with another aggressive, engaged and tactically composed outing away at Burnley.

Topping the month off with an outstanding North London Derby debut he went on to win Player of the Month. While this award is usually dominated by new arrivals, it’s hard to argue against ‘Tomi’ deserving it.

Granted, the following Brighton match was an doubted blip. He will have much better days.

Benefiting from playing in a very similar system at Bologna, to have slotted into English football with his new teammates and surroundings as quickly as he has is a credit to his utter devotion to the sport. It’s regularly mentioned how obsessed he is with football. You can see it in his performances.

What a start to life for the 22-year-old.

Continued…

3. Gabriel Magalhaes

Last but certainly not least, Gabriel was somewhat unfairly overlooked as a candidate for POTM. Back from a knee injury that saw him miss the Olympics and August’s league fixtures, he has been superb in every match he’s played since.

Everyone knew of his talents. They were on show last season. The difference was the level of consistency he struggled to find, often dropping out of the team due to some rashness off the ball or overly ambitious play off it.

Finishing the season strongly, the worry was whether he could play with anyone other than David Luiz. Thus, to have come back into the team alongside a brand new teammate and to hit some of his best form since joining the club has come as a positive surprise.

Gabriel was never signed to be a top defender in 2020/21. Not at that age. The aim will have always been to see him develop over time and cement his place in the team after a year under his belt.

Even with that all in mind, to have returned from injury, settled with a new partner and have been almost entirely error free in the four matches since has come as a welcome addition to the team. He’s helped instill a platform that has been the backbone of the improved results.

Those fizzed through balls into Aubameyang and Emile Smith Rowe’s feet have also been clearly worked on. The onus on Ben White for progression has taken the limelight away from this part of Gabriel’s game.

A brilliant start to the campaign for him.