PITA’s Arsenal Player of the Month – April 2023

Oh, April, I wish you’d p*ss off. 

For those reading with the same name as Arsenal’s nemesis of a month, I apologise. It’s not you that I’ve got a problem with. It’s those 30 days.

In 2022, three-straight defeats hindered our top-four hopes. This time around, a four-game winless run, including a convincing defeat in the “title decider” against Man City, looks to have compromised our dream.

The title race has not yet reached the finish line, but it now looks unlikely for Arsenal to end their 19-year league title drought. It’s City’s to lose and their run-in, while rather congested, isn’t particularly difficult.

The Gunners’ April woes mean it wasn’t the greatest month for individual brilliance. Nevertheless, we’ve still compiled the average monthly ratings of all the players that started at least three games between the victory at Leeds and the defeat at City.

PITA’s Arsenal Player of the Month – April 2023

Let’s find out who’s been named PITA’s Player of the Month for April 2023.

3. Martin Odegaard & Ben White (Average rating – 6.1)

Two consistent performers make the podium, with their average rating (6.1) depicting Arsenal’s downturn in form.

Odegaard impressed in spells throughout April, most notably at the start of the West Ham draw, but ghosted when it mattered most. His performance at Anfield drew criticism, and he was barely noticeable at the Etihad.

As for White, it wasn’t exactly an exhibition from the right-back, but he was stout enough. He’s played a hell of a lot of minutes this season, and there may be signs of mental fatigue creeping in. His odd performance against City perhaps manifested that.

2. Gabriel Jesus (Average rating – 6.3)

Mikel Arteta was keen to re-integrate Jesus back into his starting as soon as possible after he returned from a knee injury in March. And while Jesus initially enjoyed a productive run in the side, some have wondered whether the boss has perhaps placed too much faith in the Brazilian at the expense of the excellent Leandro Trossard.

Jesus started all five of Arsenal’s Premier League games in April, scoring in the first three, but he disappointed in the 3-3 draw against Southampton and was marked out of the contest by John Stones in the all-important clash. 

Overall, Jesus’ goals helped him onto the podium. His performances haven’t been as dazzling as they were during the first half of the season.

1. Gabriel Martinelli (Average rating – 6.5)

With a monstrous average rating of 6.5 (!!!), our April 2023 Player of the Month issssss GABRIEL MARTINELLI! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!

Arsenal’s recent indifference means it’s hard to get enthused about such an award, but Gabi is a deserved winner nonetheless. While he couldn’t get into the game in Manchester, his energy has proved infectious in times of strife.

The Brazilian, along with Bukayo Saka, put the side on his back in the comeback against the Saints, and he startled in the opening exchanges at Anfield.

Overall, Martinelli scored once and added three assists in his five April starts. A fine return.