The red smoke that engulfed pretty much all of north London on Sunday has just about cleared and Arsenal can look back on a title-winning season for the first time in 22 years.
At long, long last – and after a hat-trick of second-placed finishes – Mikel Arteta’s side finally got over the line, sealing the Premier League crown when Manchester City were held at Bournemouth with a game to spare. Eventually they finished seven points clear at the top, which doesn’t quite tell the story of how frantic and nervy the final few months were, but the result is the same.
Though Arsenal fell agonisingly short of a first Champions League crown, the hundreds of thousands of people who lined the Islington streets at the parade will tell you that this is a campaign that will be looked back on with only joy.
Here, our Arsenal correspondent ISAAN KHAN has rated every player in the squad out of 10 – this is who shone the most in a campaign that no Gunners fan will forget for a very long time.
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years
No one in north London will forget this season for a very long time
GOALKEEPERS
1. David Raya: 9.5/10
Quite simply, Arsenal would not have won the Premier League without Raya. He single-handedly saved his team from dropping points on multiple occasions.
His most important stop was a reflex save to deny Mateus Fernandes at the London Stadium earlier this month. If Fernandes’ strike goes in, Arsenal don’t win that game. No question.
Arteta’s decision to bring in Raya for Aaron Ramsdale three years ago was controversial — but has paid off in spades.
Nineteen clean sheets in 37 league games was more than enough to win the Spaniard a third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove.
13. Kepa Arrizabalaga: 5/10
Will unfortunately be remembered for his howler against Man City in the Carabao Cup final.
He only played one league match after his £5million move from Chelsea, and that was the final game of the season at Crystal Palace after the title was won.
His highlight of the campaign was undoubtedly the penalty shootout victory over Palace in December, when he saved Maxence Lacroix’s spot-kick to send Arsenal through to the semi-finals.
Defenders
2. William Saliba: 8.5/10
Rolls Royce of a defender. Agile, quick and always seems to be in the right position. For Gabriel’s aggression, Saliba provides the deft touch.
William Saliba is a Rolls Royce of a defender. Agile, quick and always seems to be in the right position
3. Cristhian Mosquera: 7.5/10
The bargain of the season at just £13m. The Spaniard can be a bit too jumpy in getting involved in challenges – including giving away the penalty that PSG equalised from on Saturday – but has a knack for eye-catching recoveries when out of position and performing under pressure.
At 21, he’s a raw talent but will undoubtedly grow into a fine defender. Saliba and Gabriel can’t afford to drop off next season.
4. Ben White: 6.5/10
Once a stalwart in Arteta’s backline, his struggles in returning from knee surgery and the form of Timber contributed to White often sitting on the bench.
He was given a run from April with Jurrien Timber out injured and performed really well in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
It put him in contention for an England call-up, before he picked up another knee injury against West Ham last month. How cruel. He is among the players who could be moved on this summer to free up funds for arrivals.
5. Piero Hincapie: 7.5/10
Looked edgy early on, before making the left back spot his own. Like Gabriel, he is aggressive and just doesn’t give up.
The Ecuadorian made Riccardo Calafiori’s absences not feel like a major blow, and despite interest from Barcelona, this fine defender is firmly in Arteta’s plans next season.
6. Gabriel Magalhaes: 9/10
A massive threat on set-pieces and commanding leader in the backline, the Brazilian set the tone for Arsenal’s campaign.
He constantly got stuck in with aggressive, but well-timed challenges, and was one of the players of the season – no matter what happened from the penalty spot in the Champions League final.
Gabriel was a massive threat on set-pieces and a commanding leader in the backline
12. Jurrien Timber 8.5/10
Before his ankle injury in March, the Dutchman was arguably the league’s best right back.
He’s so hard to get past for opposition wingers and has developed into an attacking threat, particularly on set-pieces – scoring four goals. In an Arsenal squad with such depth, Timber is still a guaranteed starter.
Without the injury, his mark would be higher because he is that vital for the Gunners.
33. Riccardo Calafiori: 7/10
Such a maverick player. The Italian came on leaps and bounds this season, getting into intelligent attacking areas from left back and making it hard for opponents to set plans against him.
That unpredictability was an edge for the Gunners. But he keeps struggling with injuries which is a problem for the club.
Midfielders
8. Martin Odegaard: 6.5/10
A strange campaign plagued by multiple injuries.
The captain could go missing in some games but then save his team, setting up Leandro Trossard against West Ham, for example.
It will be interesting to see if Arteta sticks with the Norwegian as captain next season with many fans wanting Declan Rice to take the armband.
He has two years remaining on his contract and his performance in the Champions League final was a particular disappointment, but he remains among Arteta’s most trusted lieutenants.
10. Eberechi Eze: 7/10
Arsenal’s box of tricks. He fell out of favour after a failure to track back in the manner Arteta wanted, costing Arsenal dearly at Aston Villa in December.
It took a while for Arteta to trust him again but when on song, he showcased what a talent he is.
Highlights were five goals against Spurs, including a hat-trick in November, and a bright display at Manchester City in April.
Eberechi Eze scored five times against Tottenham after rejecting a move to them last summer
16. Christian Norgaard: 4.5/10
Having spent £15m on the Dane, Norgaard’s lack of game time points to a move which just didn’t work out.
Just 102 minutes of Premier League action shows how far he has slipped down the pecking order, though he was very professional and well-liked internally, and valued behind the scenes for his experience.
22. Ethan Nwaneri: 5.5/10
Failed to make a league start for Arsenal this season, despite earning 11 in the previous campaign.
The 19-year-old was subsequently sent out on loan to Marseille in January to learn from Roberto De Zerbi… who was sacked a matter of weeks later. That saw him mostly benched for the remaining months.
Nwaneri is very gifted and has a big future ahead. However, Max Dowman has gone above him in the pecking order for both right wing and attacking midfield. Arsenal have an important decision to make: cash in for a fee likely in excess of £30million or keep.
23. Mikel Merino: 7/10
Arsenal lost their Swiss army knife after his foot injury in January. His adaptability from playing as a defensive midfielder to being deployed as a No9 is an asset. Doesn’t complain and gets on with the job.
36. Martin Zubimendi: 7.5/10
A season of two halves. Up to January, he was phenomenal, robbing the ball off opponents at will, showcasing impressive long-range shooting and controlling the tempo of matches.
Yet he struggled in the last few months as a lack of trusted alternatives led to fatigue and a drop in confidence by the end of the campaign. Arteta arguably overplayed him, and then he was benched for Myles Lewis-Skelly for the run-in.
41. Declan Rice: 9/10
Arsenal’s best outfield player. No wonder David Moyes joked to Arteta that Arsenal’s £105m fee for him back in 2023 was too cheap.
Stepped up time and again, covering an insane amount of ground with an engine which doesn’t stop. Great spatial awareness and solid defensively. He was also effective in connecting play to the final third.
Like Raya, the league would not be Arsenal’s without him.
Like David Raya, this league title would not be Arsenal’s without Declan Rice
49. Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7/10
Completely out of the picture before seizing his opportunity in May, in a rare start against Fulham.
Started that match in midfield for the first time in his senior career and has not looked back.
Very physically gifted and so cool under pressure. Started in the Champions League final and treated it like a regular game. Big future ahead. Arsenal would be daft to let him go.
56. Max Dowman: 7/10
The 16-year-old’s moment against Everton, running the length of the field and tapping into an empty net to seal victory on a day when Arsenal went nine points clear in March, will go down in the club’s folklore.
The youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, and after the final day at Palace the youngest starter. Dowman’s exhilarating breakthrough season is just the start. This kid will be a superstar.
The 16-year-old’s moment against Everton, running the length of the field and tapping into an empty net to seal victory, will go down in the club’s folklore
Forwards
7. Bukayo Saka: 7.5/10
Arsenal’s Starboy is still the man teams double up on, even if injuries plagued him this season.
Produced important goals and contributions that played a big part in the Gunners getting over the line in the league and reaching the Champions League final, yet struggled to consistently reach his best levels.
But when he’s there you notice how much of a difference he makes to this Arsenal team. If fully fit next season, he can get back to his peak.
9. Gabriel Jesus: 4.5/10
He returned in December after 11 months out and there was much excitement about what he could offer the frontline.
Unfortunately Jesus wasn’t able to rediscover his best form and was rooted to the bench. The exit door beckons.
11. Gabriel Martinelli: 6/10
The Brazilian had an odd season. In the league he scored just once – though it was a crucial 93rd-minute equaliser against City – but struck six in Europe.
Overall, failed to make the impact he had produced in previous seasons which kept him in a peripheral role.
There are doubts over his long-term future. Watch this space.
Gabriel Martinelli (seated) scored just once in the league but it may well have been pivotal – a 93rd-minute equaliser against Manchester City in September
14. Viktor Gyokeres: 7.5/10
Impressive turnaround. He struck 21 goals across all competitions after being lambasted for much of the campaign.
Found it hard to settle with Kai Havertz out injured and thus not afforded any rest, Gyokeres turned a corner from January and earned the trust of his team-mates who subsequently looked for him more on the pitch.
19. Leandro Trossard: 7/10
Didn’t perform to his usual standards in the middle of the season but overcame personal difficulties to finish strongly, and Arteta constantly turned to him for big games.
May well have scored the biggest goal of Arsenal’s season – and the last 22 years – in the 81st minute at West Ham last month, ending a long personal goalscoring drought.
His creative passing and neat dribbling can be so effective. A decision will need to be made this summer on his future, however, as at 31 he falls into the category of expendables should Arsenal need to sell.
Leandro Trossard (right) may well have scored the biggest goal of Arsenal’s season – and the last 22 years – in the 81st minute at West Ham last month
20. Noni Madueke: 6.5/10
The fanbase had the hashtag #NoToMadueke trending before he even signed, so the winger had some task on his hands to win them over.
He frustrated them with his habit of running the ball out of play and a lack of end product at times but, equally, his very direct style caused havoc.
A better final ball and Madueke can go to the next level. He has it in him.
29. Kai Havertz: 7/10
The German was decisive in Europe, scoring crucial goals in the last 16, quarter-finals and final, but found it hard dealing with a persistent knee injury that ruined the first half of his season.
Offered an aerial threat and great at hold-up play and is more solid technically, too, than Gyokeres.
