PITA’s Arsenal Player of the Month – August 2023

Whoops, sorry we’re a little late. Arsenal have already opened up September with a dramatic last-gasp victory over Man Utd, but here we’re focussing on the month of action that preceded it. 

The Gunners began their 2023/24 Premier League season in August and took seven points from a possible nine available without setting the world alight. Supporters will hope that Mikel Arteta’s men gradually ascend before peaking towards the end of the campaign as they attempt to dethrone Manchester City.

It’s been another summer of change in north London, and it’s a pair of fresh faces who’ve impressed the most at the start of the new season.

PITA’s Arsenal Player of the Month – August 2023

To qualify for our August POTM award, three starts were required out of the five games. So, without further ado, let’s see who’s got their hands on the lucrative prize this time around.

3. Jurrien Timber (Average rating – 7.16)

Remember him?

It feels like an age since we saw summer signing Timber in an Arsenal shirt, with the Dutchman succumbing to an ACL tear during the Gunners’ opening game of the Premier League season.

The versatile defender had impressed on his league debut before being forced off at the start of the second half and was equally stellar in Arsenal’s Community Shield triumph over Man City.

Timber’s consistency earned him a more than respectable 7.16 average rating for his efforts in August, with his three starts ensuring he qualified for the award.

2. Declan Rice (Average rating – 7.2)

From one summer arrival to another. Rice dominated Arsenal’s summer headlines as the Gunners finally secured the midfielder’s services following a fairly exciting transfer saga that involved a whole host of clubs.

Very few thought Rice would struggle, although some suggested that there would be some adjusting given Mikel Arteta’s contrasting ideals compared to David Moyes.

And while the Englishman didn’t set the world alight in pre-season, looking somewhat awkward in a more advanced position, he’s started the Premier League campaign wonderfully, producing a particularly super showing against Crystal Palace on Matchday 2.

1. Eddie Nketiah (Average rating – 7.5)

It’s been some of the best few weeks of Nketiah’s career. I must admit, I feared for Eddie this summer with Folarin Balogun returning, but Arteta stood by the evolving forward despite a tough pre-season which only ignited right at the very end against AS Monaco in the Emirates Cup.

That performance kick-started the striker, who has ensured the Gunners haven’t been hard hit by Gabriel Jesus’ absence. Nketiah has so far scored twice this season, and his all-around game is continuously improving. He’s more than a handy asset off the bench nowadays; he’s proven he can lead Arsenal’s line to a level comparable to Jesus.

His fine start to 2023/24 was rewarded with a maiden call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad. However, I’m sure he’ll be more thrilled to hear that he was named PITA’s Player of the Month!