Arsenal 2023-24 season player ratings: Rolls-Royce defender, Europe's best playmaker and reborn forward | OneFootball

It was another season of progress for Arsenal as they pushed Manchester City all the way but again finished empty-handed.

Another summer of spending brought in the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, who both justified their hefty price tags, while the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel and William Saliba had their best seasons to date.

The future looked bright 12 months ago and looked even better still heading into this summer, which should again see Mikel Arteta backed to finally ended the club’s title drought, which now stretches beyond two decades.

Simon Collings delivers his player ratings for the Gunners squad in 2023-24...

Goalkeepers

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Unlucky to lose his place after his form last season but was solid when called upon. Should move on this summer to become a No1 elsewhere.

David Raya 8

Had a shaky start but ultimately repaid the faith shown in him by Mikel Arteta and won the Premier League Golden Glove award for most clean sheets.

David Raya has proven a smart signing

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Defenders

Gabriel 9

A monster at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Has matured into a leader and has been just as good as William Saliba.

Jakub Kiwior 7

Enjoyed a good run at left-back between January and March and, despite a few shaky moments, was unfortunate to lose his place in the run-in.

William Saliba 9

A Rolls-Royce of a defender who played every minute in the Premier League. Frightening to think he is still only 23.

William Saliba and Gabriel are one of the league’s top partnerships

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Cedric Soares 5

Made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League and is set to leave this summer when his contract expires.

Jurrien Timber N/A

Suffered a serious knee injury in the opening league game of the season and did not return until the final match.

Takehiro Tomiyasu 7

Brilliant in the first half of the season and was rightly rewarded with a new contract, but struggled for fitness after January.

Ben White 9

Arguably the best right-back in the division. Solid defensively and a threat going forward with four goals and five assists.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 7

Not at the same level as last season. Dangerous going forward, but defensively he was targeted by opposition teams and he hwas occasionally careless in possession.

Midfielders

Declan Rice has lived up to his price tag

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Mohamed Elneny 5

The longest-serving player in the squad but played just 25 minutes in the Premier League and is set to leave as contract is up.

Jorginho 7

Excelled as a No6 after Declan Rice was pushed further forward and brought experience and control to the midfield. Deserved his new contract.

One of the best players in the Premier League this season and now arguably the No1 playmaker in Europe, finishing second in the league for chances created. Has led by example as captain.

Thomas Partey 6

Missed a large part of the season due to injury. Performed well in flashes during the run-in, but feels like a position Arsenal can upgrade.

Declan Rice 9

More than lived up to his £105m price tag and transformed the Arsenal midfield. Has taken his game to another level and added goals.

Emile Smith Rowe 5

Regularly overlooked and has struggled for game time. Showed flashes of brilliance but needed more chances to shine.

Fabio Vieira 5

Made a bright start to the season before a groin injury in November. Played just 54 minutes since then.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka put together another fine year

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Kai Havertz 8

Signed as a midfielder but ended up a centre-forward and had his best season in English football with 14 goals and seven assists.

Gabriel Jesus 7

Struggled with knee issues but impressed in the Champions League. Lost his place as the No9 to Havertz after January.

Gabriel Martinelli 7

His form dipped from last season, when he was Arsenal top scorer. But did have the odd bright moment, like his winner against Manchester City in October.

Eddie Nketiah 6

Made his England debut in October after a hat-trick against Sheffield United, but did start a game after New Year’s Eve.

Reiss Nelson 5

Restricted to cameo appearances off the bench and struggled to make an impact. Another who could leave this summer.

Bukayo Saka 9

Scored 20 goals in all competitions for the first time in his career and also had 14 assists. So consistent and reliable.

Leandro Trossard 8

The surprise package of the team. Only Saka has scored more goals and he hit four in five games during the run-in.