Arsenal 2023/24 mid-season player grades

We may have veered over the halfway mark in the 2023/24 season, but the Premier League winter break nonetheless gives us a chance to analyse from a mid-season perspective.

The 2022 World Cup gave us a fairly premature midway point last term as Arsenal headed into the lengthy break at the top of the tree following yet another convincing win over Wolves.

The mood isn't quite so jubilant this time around, although the break does arrive at a welcome moment for Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have won one of their last seven in all competitions, and a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool means they're out of the FA Cup.

Despite their recent woes, Arsenal could yet enjoy a prosperous campaign. Liverpool aren't light years ahead at the Premier League summit, while a Gooner success in the Champions League certainly wouldn't be the strangest thing that's happened in the competition's history.

Supporters will hope that a training camp in Dubai proves to be the refreshment Arsenal so desperately needed to get their campaign back in track. Before they take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, here our our mid-season grades for every Arsenal first-teamer in 2023/24.

Arsenal 2023/24 mid-season grades

Goalkeepers

Aaron Ramsdale (C) - Hadn't done much wrong before he was usurped by David Raya. Arteta always intended to make the Spaniard his new number one.

David Raya (C+) - Doesn't make enough saves. Certainly not an obvious upgrade over Ramsdale, even if he's clearly superior in a couple of attributes.

Karl Hein (D) - Yet to make an apperance for the first team this season.

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Defenders

Ben White (C-) - Nowhere near as effective in the right-back position compared to last season. Hasn't ventured forward much and is said to have played through an injury over the festive period.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (B-) - Returned to prominence with Arteta favouring security and control. Struggling to stay fit.

Cedric Soares (C) - Barely featured, but produced a fine performance on his only start of the season away at PSV. Expected to leave this year.

Jurrien Timber (C) - Cruelly had his season disrupted by an ACL injury on Matchday 1. Impressed in pre-season.

William Saliba (A) - There have been one or two blemishes, but Saliba has otherwise been outstanding. A constant presence.

Gabriel (A) - Some might argue that Gabriel has outperformed Saliba this season. It's certainly close. After he was strangely omitted from the lineup at the start of the campaign, Gabriel has been particularly brilliant in the Premier League.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (C+) - The novelty of his function has worn off, and there have been games where his defensive frailties have distinctly hindered the Gunners.

Jakub Kiwior (D) - Rotated with Zinchenko on occasions. Looked awkward and stiff at left-back.

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Midfielders

Thomas Partey (D) - The same issues with Partey. He just can't stay fit. Arsenal could've certainly done with him during their festive demise.

Jorginho (C) - Brought some stability and is an important dressing room figure. Hardly spectacular but has produced a couple of tidy showings.

Mohamed Elneny (C-) - Was a lot of fun to watch the long-time servant strut his stuff in Eindhoven.

Declan Rice (A) - While he hasn't quite transformed Arsenal's midfield, Rice has barely put a foot wrong since joining the club. Single-handedly guided the club to victories over Manchester United and Luton Town with dramatic late winners.

Martin Odegaard (B-) - Unsure as to what his best role is within this system. Been an up-and-down campaign for the skipper, whose output has declined.

Fabio Vieira (D) - There were high hopes for Vieira this season, but he offered very little before picking up a groin injury.

Emile Smith Rowe (D+) - Arteta doesn't trust ESR, who has once again struggled to stay fit. Would love to see him earn more minutes.

Kai Havertz (C+) - Arteta is dying on the Havertz hill. The German has played a key role in Arsenal's attacking transformation this season, for better or worse. Enjoyed a brief purple patch.

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Forwards

Bukayo Saka (B) - Productive without being excellent. Saka can still produce the key moments, but he's yet to dominate a contest.

Reiss Nelson (C+) - Spritely on his cameos. Hasn't been utilised enough, especially given Saka's downturn in form.

Gabriel Jesus (B-) - Plenty of revisionism on Jesus this season. Still a critical figure in Arsenal's attack, but has suffered multiple injuries and hasn't been prolific.

Eddie Nketiah (C) - His maiden Premier League hat-trick against Sheffield United has been the undoubted highlight. Nketiah's goal return hasn't been bad, but it's clear that he's not of the requisite level.

Gabriel Martinelli (D) - The Brazilian's majestic 2022/23 has not yet been built on. Struggled to deal with Arsenal's changing dynamics following Granit Xhaka's exit.

Leandro Trossard (C-) - Bright moments for the Belgian have come few and far between this term. Enjoyed a productive run up top while Jesus was out, but hasn't done much of note over the past couple of months.

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