Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Grading every Arsenal player in the 2021/22 season

By Adam Schultz

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Cedric Soares of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on May 22, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Cedric Soares of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on May 22, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Benji
Benjamin White enjoyed a fine debut season. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Defenders

Gabriel – A

The Brazilian was a rock in the heart of Arsenal’s defence (his horror backpass against Wolves aside). He marshalled the defence well all season and scored five times. One of the Gunners’ best this season.

Benjamin White – A

Similar to Gabriel, White was a star for Arsenal this season. Arriving with question marks surrounding him, the 24-year-old quickly silenced his doubts with quality performances week in and week out. An excellent debut season.

Rob Holding – C

Thanks to Ben White’s injury, the Englishman was forced to be a mainstay in Arsenal’s defence towards the end of the season. He played well against Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham, and Leeds before undoing his work at Tottenham. A solid enough year without being spectacular.

Kieran Tierney – B

The Scottish international was not at the usual level we have become accustomed to as he played just 22 Premier League games. A knee injury sidelined him for the last ten matches and his absence was harshly felt. He netted a goal and set up three more as he often locked down Arsenal’s left-hand side with aplomb.

Nuno Tavares – C-

The young fullback is still so raw. Going forward, he provides much to the side but too often gets torn apart defensively. He was forced to play numerous games with Tierney’s injury, but Mikel occasionally utilised Takehiro Tomiyasu or Granit Xhaka at left-back to limit his minutes. Plenty to work on for the 22-year-old as he showed both the good and very ugly sides to his game.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – B+

The Japanese immediately made the right-back spot his own. His uncompromising style made him a fan favourite from the outset as he ultimately settled Arsenal’s right-hand side. He was an ever-present until his calf injury that sidelined him for nine weeks, and he did not look the same after that. He proved what a weapon he could be for Arsenal’s defence.

Cedric – C+

The Portuguese right-back was forced to fill in in the absence of Tomiyasu and did rather well for the most part. His marauding runs and crossing ability were on show multiple times. Like his teammates towards the end of the season, he left a lot to be desired. But, overall, he did what he could. Not the worst by any stretch.

Continued on next slide…

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