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It was a typically busy year for Arsenal to round off the calendar year. The Gunners were in action seven times in December as they aimed to keep pace with Premier League leaders and make progress in the cup competitions.
There were convincing success, redemption stories and outings of distinct frustration. However, an absence of defeats mean we have no right to complain too much.
Bukayo Saka's long-term hamstring injury has doubtlessly soured expectations, but the Gunners still have a great chance of enjoying a successful season.
A marathon of a month means four starts were required to qualify for our December 2024 Player of the Month award, with Martin Odegaard aiming to retain his crown from November.
Let's see who's come out on top this time around!
3. Myles Lewis-Skelly (Average raing - 7.0)
Full-back absences forced Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly into a position of responsibility in December, but nothing seemed to faze Arsenal's burgeoning talent as he stepped into the senior set-up.
After making his first start in the 3-0 win over Monaco, Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a run in the team even when Riccardo Calafiori returned from a groin injury. While not as spectacular as the Italian, the youngster boasts a sturdy frame and immense personality which always shine through when he takes to the field.
The teenager failed to put a foot wrong during his four consecutive starts, and there's already talk of a contract extension.
Arsenal have seemingly unearthed another gem.
2. Declan Rice & Bukayo Saka (Average rating - 7.3)
For the second consecutive month, Saka just misses out on the award and he shares second place with Declan Rice this time around.
The winger's month was cut short after tearing his hamstring at Selhurst Park just a few days before Christmas, but the winger had maintained his inevitable form in the preceding games.
Both Saka and Rice's set-piece delivery came to the fore in the 2-0 win over Manchester United before Monaco struggled to contain Arsenal's superstar wide man in a comfortable triumph.
After a sluggish start to 2024/25, Rice came on strong at the end of the year and produced another stellar month of performances. His best work continues to arrive at the base of midfield where his fierce counter-pressing and athleticism in defensive transition come to the fore. Like Saka, Rice was brilliant in the wins over United and Monaco.
1. Gabriel Jesus (Average rating - 7.5)
BAWHHH GOD! Is that Gabriel Jesus' music?!
It is the time of year when Jesus comes the fore, with his resurrection in 2024 arriving via five goals in four days against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian must have something against the Eagles.
9.5 and 9.0 ratings in Arsenal's two games against Palace before Christmas means Jesus has claimed his first Player of the Month award since the start of his debut campaign.
Oh, how Arteta needs this potential resurgence to be anything but a false dawn.