Arsenal have had a roller coaster of a season so far filled with ups and downs. While the beginning of the season was disappointing, to say the least, Mikel Arteta’s men have now gained momentum as they are unbeaten for five matches. While the team is performing as a whole now, some players have just stood out from others. In this article, we look at the 5 best individual performances by Arsenal players this season.
#5 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang versus West Brom
After failing to win or score in either of the games they played, Arsenal finally opened their scoring against West Brom in the Carabao Cup. Even though it did not have as much significance as the Premier League has, it provided a massive boost of confidence to the team.
It was a captain’s performance from Aubameyang as he led from the front with a hat-trick as The Gunners bashed West Brom 6-0. Apart from Aubameyang, there were goals from Lacazette, Pepe, and Saka as well.
#4 Aaron Ramsdale versus Norwich City
A signing which has absolutely proved every critic wrong is Aaron Ramsdale. Ever since he has put on an Arsenal jersey, he has barely made a mistake and has been in top-notch form. Mikel Arteta trusted him and played him between the sticks instead of Bernd Leno who had conceded nine times in three games.
Ramsdale put out an absolute world-class performance against Norwich as he stopped every shot which came his way, helping his team keep a clean sheet and guarantee three points.
#3 Bukayo Saka versus Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal’s very own prodigy, Bukayo Saka showed how capable he was as he smashed one goal past Tottenham and assisted once in the process as well. Even after having a tough phase mentally as he missed the decisive penalty in the finals of the Euro 2020, he came back stronger than ever and looks set to have another massive season.
While he did start the initial few games for Arsenal, he underperformed in them and couldn’t find a way to assist or score. Mikel Arteta switched his positions and used Saka on the right-wing instead of the left and Saka did wonders.
#2 Emile Smith Rowe versus Tottenham Hotspur
Another youngster who absolutely dominated in the North London Derby was Emile Smith Rowe. The 21-year-old was phenomenal against Arsenal’s arch-rivals as he opened the scoring in a 3-1 winning performance and like his teammate Saka, assisted once as well. In fact, Saka was the one who assisted Emile as he found the back of the net, a goal which was made in Hale End.
Emile was given the massive responsibility of the number 10 this season after having his breakthrough season last year. When Arsenal were desperately struggling for an attacking midfielder, Smith Rowe came to the rescue and provided that energy that was missing in the attack.
#1 Takehiro Tomiyasu versus Tottenham Hotspur
Another signing approved by Mikel Arteta on deadline day was Takehiro Tomiyasu. Many were uncertain about him and did not even know much until they saw him put out world-class performances consistently. The right-back position was an area where the team lacked a quality player and they had to replace the departing Hector Bellerin as well, Takehiro was just the one.
Against Tottenham, Tomiyasu did not commit a single error. In fact, he pocketed one of the best wingers in the world, Heung-min Son, and striker Harry Kane as well. His performance was massively appreciated by all Arsenal fans and will be remembered for a long time as this tops the list of 5 best individual performances by Arsenal players this season.