Sitting 4th
albeit having played a game or two more than some (or should that be scum) Thought I’d give my marks out of 10 for the players given the season so far - and would be interested to see yours.
Ramsdale - 10 I was indifferent to signing him, hadn’t ever took much notice previously, boy was I wrong…he has been superb, deservedly usurped Leno as our no1, and got his England cap too. Will only get better as he gets older too
Leno - 6 maybe unlucky to play in our first 3 matches which we lost, was consistent for 2/3 seasons and regularly our best player.
Hasn’t done anything particularly wrong, but he is just not Ramsdale is he ?
Tomi - 9 another brilliant signing, slotted in to our defence with seemingly no issues, strong, quick, wins his ariel duels, we are so much better with him rather than Bellerin.
White - 7 came for big money which is not his fault, but yet to really impress defensively but still a big improvement on the likes of Luiz, Mustafi etc, I hope and expect him to get better as the season goes on and his partnership with Gabriel gels further.
Gabriel - 8 I really like his physical presence, he appears to enjoy the big battles, the way Tony Adams used to - he was our player of the month for the first 3 months he joined us, then took a while to get back to his level after Covid took its toll. Looks like he is back in the groove again. Also a good option for our corners.
Tierney - 8 May well benefit from being able to be rested for some matches when Tavares plays. Has the drive, determination and will to win that we need all over the pitch.
Tavares - 7 given his inexperience in the premier league he has settled in remarkably well, taken apart at Anfield, but many are - his engine is excellent, and his strength a big plus - needs to be calmer in the opposition box to pick the right option.
Holding - 7 stepped in when required and been solid enough, doesn’t seem to be angling for a move, decent squad player to have.
Xhaka - 5 still does nothing of note for me in a match apart from concede fouls, and play backwards, 1 decent assist is not enough to merit a higher score.
Partey - 6, I expected more from him, he does have the ability but rarely does it surface. With both our central midfield being poor performers this is the area for me, which needs the most urgent addressing.
Smith Rowe - 9 love this guys attitude, he carries that ball forward with intent, looks for players in better positions and has now got the knack of being in the right place for the finish. So happy he got his England cap and now a goal too - again will only get better with experience.
Odegaard - 8 has finally settled into the playmaker role, has good eye for a killer pass, needs to shoot more himself when in the box. May well turn out to be a bargain at £30m.
Lonkonga 7 again not a player I knew anything about but I do believe he has a lot of raw attributes to become a great player, if he can keep developing.
Saka 9 - looked tired ( not surprisingly) after last season and his summer exploits. but now seems ike he has got his mojo back again.
Has taken a lot of physical attention from opponents to try and kick him out of matches,. Does often get double / triple marked, so needs to shift the ball quickly to see us have men spare elsewhere.
Pepe - 6 his the ability to bamboozle defences but often ends up doing the same to himself. 3rd season in he is no more consistent than previously and now is not first choice in our 11.
Martinelli 8 , has taken a while to show the talent that we all knew he possessed and has shown in the least 2 seasons, love his attitude of non-stop harassment of opponents not giving them time to settle. Looks like he is enjoying his playing time, long may it continue.
Auba - 4 poor example of leadership, bad attitude, and poor performances - he is not going to improve and needs a move to rekindle what is left of his career.
Lacazette - 8 Lacks the goals which some expect , but his link up play and hard work, for me are pivotal in giving the youngsters the freedom to play.
I would love him to stay for another year, with maybe another 1 year option after that.
Arteta - 8 didn’t want him as manager, still have huge reservations about his lack of experience and substitutions at times and he may have been very lucky to have Saka, Smith Rowe and Martinelli here to give him a young energetic foundation but he has also got rid of Ozil, Luiz, Mustafi etc who were dragging us down and overseen a great summer recruitment, so fair play.
IF he gets 4th, it will be a great achievement and with 1 or 2 further quality additions we could cement our place back in the top 4 at the expense of our nearest and dearest and or the Mancs which will be so sweet.
