Unlikely top scorer, Mikel Arteta favourite impresses – Arsenal player ratings for season so far

Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table as they aim to finally end their long wait to win the title. Thanks to as many as eight summer signings and improved additions from the youth team, they have equipped themselves with the most complete group of stars.

Mikel Arteta has given minutes to 24 players already this season, and he is yet to get a key striker back from injury. The Spaniard is having to manage the pressures of the title challenge while also giving as much exposure and game time to his squad as possible.

With that in mind, football.london takes a look at the whole squad and their performances. Giving a score from one to ten (no half scores) for the player’s displays so far this season.

David Raya

Six clean sheets from nine games and some top saves, the one against Olympiacos and Daniel Podence, without a doubt, a standout from his early-season efforts. 8

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Only had one appearance so far, against Port Vale in the League Cup, but he distributed well and kept a clean sheet. 6

Jurrien Timber

The standout player of all of Mikel Arteta’s squad so far and arguably the Premier League’s most underrated player for his all-around game. 9

Ben White

Hasn’t had too many opportunities as an injury hit the full-back at Old Trafford. In the games he has played, White has been solid. 6

William Saliba

Back to his usual best after some injury issues and mistakes last season, perhaps helped by finally having some respite with the depth behind him. 8

Cristhian Mosquera

Speaking of which, the surprise package of all eight of Arsenal’s signings, Cristhian Mosquera, is looking like a bargain for £15million. 8

Gabriel Magalhaes

A massive goal scored against Newcastle United in the final seconds of the game, despite having a questionable display, solidifies his score here, no questions asked. 8

Piero Hincapie

Has only played a handful of minutes after suffering a groin injury. Eyes will be on the defender after the international break when he is expected to return. n/a

Riccardo Calafiori

Has been playing like a man possessed, although these days this is just what we have to come to expect from the Italian international. 8

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Because of Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly has seen his minutes limited which could impact his World Cup hopes. 6

Martin Zubimendi

The best of all of Arsenal’s summer signings so far, the Spaniard has anchored the Arsenal midfield, taken the number six role to a new level and scored some important and stunning goals since his arrival too. 9

Christian Norgaard

Has not played too many minutes, having dealt with injuries, but had a solid full match against Port Vale. 6

Declan Rice

The engine room of the team and is yet to disappoint while also chipping in with an important goal against his former club too. 8

Mikel Merino

Unfairly scrutinised simply for being selected, Merino remains a very important part of Mikel Arteta’s team, and his equaliser at Newcastle could prove pivotal come May. 7

Martin Odegaard

Has dealt with so many unfortunate injuries but in the time we have seen Martin Odegaard he does appear back to some of his best form. Critical in the win over Newcastle, while also providing an assist against Olympiacos. 7

Eberechi Eze

A joy to watch in how he can take players on so comfortably and looks like he has already settled into his new side very well. A goal and two assists in his first eight matches has been a decent return for the England international. 7

Ethan Nwaneri

Coming on in place of Odegaard when injured, he was particularly good against Nottingham Forest when he did. There remains plenty more to come from the youngster. 6

Bukayo Saka

After suffering an injury early in the season, Saka has returned with a vengeance, scoring twice and taking his total league tally to 100 goal contributions in 200 league games. 7

Noni Madueke

It is such a shame that Madueke suffered the injury he did because he was truly a standout performer of the opening matches of the campaign for his direct play, skill and ability to cover an injured Saka without a sense of his presence missing. 7

Max Dowman

There is so much talent still to come from Max Dowman, winning a penalty against Leeds and baffling players many years his senior. He only doesn’t score higher than six because of the lack of minutes he has had. 6

Gabriel Martinelli

Back to form for a player who desperately needed it, and his goal against Manchester City will be a highlight of the season, especially if Arsenal go on to win the league. 8

Leandro Trossard

A curious start to the season for Trossard, who has scored a couple of goals but remains somewhat frustrating at times for his lack of impact in games. 6

Gabriel Jesus

Has not played any minutes and is hoping to return from injury around the New Year. n/a

Kai Havertz

Has only featured in a few minutes at Old Trafford after suffering a knee injury and hopes to return before the end of the year. n/a

Viktor Gyokeres

The striker enjoyed a quick start to the season, scoring three goals in his first three matches, but has yet to score since. He has, however, begun to adapt and look more threatening each week, his runs and hold-up play proving particularly impressive. 7