3 most impressive Arsenal performers of the season

It does not get much better than this.

Almost two months have passed since an expectant Arsenal began their new domestic campaign with victory at Selhurst Park, and the club’s feverish optimism was wholly justified as they quickly soared to the top of the Premier League table.

Six wins in seven games does not owe to mere coincidence but rather to the diligence and astute tactical mindset of manager Mikel Arteta, as well as the commitment and world-class ability of an abundantly talented squad.

An eclectic mix of smart summer additions, returning youth prospects and dependable veterans have spearheaded the Gunners’ impressive revival. An eclectic mix of smart summer additions, returning youth prospects and dependable veterans have spearheaded the Gunners’ impressive revival. Meanwhile, the unflinching response to medical adversity illustrated how the principles of resilience and professionalism are now deeply ingrained in our collective psyche.

Three of the most impressive performers for Arsenal this season

Several figures have stood out for Arsenal in recent weeks and played their part in a strong start to the season, but here are three stars who deserve special mention as our best performers of the year so far.

#1: Granit Xhaka

An extraordinary renaissance that would even put Michelangelo to shame.

Few sportsmen divide public opinion quite like Granit Xhaka, and the Swiss international has never enjoyed the universal affection of a typically volatile fanbase. However, a positional tweak has allowed him to shine this season and produce arguably the best football of his north London career.

Despite previous deployment as a deep-lying midfielder in a double pivot, Xhaka has functioned in an unusual box-to-box role this term and regularly ventures forward to potentiate our attacking threat.

The formidable central triumvirate of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey and Ben White means there is reduced onus on him to provide defensive cover and he has instead used his intelligence and fantastic awareness – along with a trusty left boot – to make a difference in the final third.

This impact is evidenced by his three assists and one goal in just seven matches (his best return since 2018/19), while he also tops the charts alongside acclaimed creators Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah for shot-creating actions per 90 in the 2022/23 league campaign (23).

The in form Xhaka is at the heart of everything Arsenal do, and his Ironman-like fitness levels indicate he will continue to be a vital cog in the machine.

Continued on the next slide…