PITA's Arsenal Player of the Month - November 2023

Despite the presence of an international break, November was a busy month for Arsenal, and it's only going to get more hectic as Christmas nears!

While the month started with back-to-back defeats and the exit of a cup competition, the Gunners ended November atop the Premier League table and with their progression into the Champions League knockouts secure as group winners.

So, life is pretty sweet for Gooners ahead of a tough December, but who have been the key contributors in Arsenal's rise to the Premier League summit?

Three starts was the qualifying benchmark for our November 2023 Player of the Month award, and let's see who has come out on top!

PITA's Player of the Month - November 2023

3. Leandro Trossard (Average rating - 6.875)

Gabriel Jesus has since returned to the fold, but Trossard was crucial for the Gunners while the Brazilian was absent.

After moving away from Eddie Nketiah, Mikel Arteta turned to the Belgian as a forward option and Trossard helped the Gunners rediscover some fluency in Jesus' absence. The January arrival last winter scored in victories over Sevilla and Burnley before he was utilised in the 'Granit Xhaka role' after the international break.

Trossard has offered more than anyone else from that function in recent outings; impressing with his industry out of possession.

2. William Saliba & Bukayo Saka (Average rating - 7.0)

Our ratings couldn't separate two crucial spokes in Arteta's wheel. Gabriel's shaky start to the month crippled stout efforts by November's end, and Saliba proved to be consistently class throughout.

The Frenchman perhaps didn't star against Lens and Brentford, but he was majestic in the harsh defeat at Newcastle which bumped is average rating up to 7.0.

That rating was matched by Bukayo Saka, who's productive start to the campaign continued in November. Saka hasn't yet dominated matches as he so often did last season, but his knack of producing a moment of quality in the final third has ensured Arsenal strung together four-straight wins after they were beaten at St. James' Park.

1. Declan Rice (Average rating - 7.4)

£105m looks cheaper and cheaper by the game.

Rice has already got his hands on this award, and now he's claming his second prize. The midfielder has proudced a masterclass in consistency since he joined the club, and he's been so, so pivotal to the side's improved defensive security.

A strong tackler who presses effectively and reads the game as good as anybody, Rice is staking his claim to be regarded as the world's best holding midfielder. Arsenal's transition defending has improved tenfold thanks to Rice's presence.

The England international was outstanding in November, and fully deserving of this award.