Power Rankings

A tough result away to Liverpool but not exactly unexpected. The lads performed for the first 45 mins, and unfortunately it was a set piece and a mistake which took the game away. Plenty to be positive about, but also lots of lessons learnt. I think we have not only realised that certain players have had fantastic performances but also that certain players not performing up to standard really has catastrophic impacts upon team performance.

During the week I reminsced back to days of yesteryear reading the news papers here in New Zealand and seeing the weekly All Blacks player power rankings of most influential players. Always a good read and light hearted bit of fun. Endless debate and due to the strength in depth of NZ rugby no 2 lists were ever the same.

So rather than give some tactical insight of the weekend’s action I decided to see how I go with my first Arsenal power rankings of the season so far. There will be plenty of debate here so leave your comments below and let’s see how things go over the course of the season.

1. Gabriel – The Brazilian defender has fast become an absolute essential member of our back line. Commanding, fearless and possessing great technical quality, Gabriel has become our talisman at the back. The scary proposition with our Brazilian rock is that he only seems to get better and show more leadership every game he plays.
2. Thomas Partey – We are quickly seeing the importance of Thomas Partey has on this side. When he is on song, the Arsenal begin to purr. PLay gets broken up quickly and efficiently. Perfect positioning in the box to clear danger. Fast paced vertical line breaking passes to advance ball forward quickly. However when he is not quite at the races, and his confidence to get on the ball and beat the press wanes we really struggle. Absolutely imperative that Arteta gets a little more consistency from his man.
3. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – The main goal threat, The captain. Infectious energy and laughter. A great example for the youngsters. With that comes responsibility. Not just to contribute the goals. But also to link play and provide a platform. He is the main man, and once again just like with Partey, when he is not on top form, Arsenal really struggle to get going and find sustained possession.
4. Aaron Ramsdale – What a signing. He has completely changed the attitude, mindset and togetherness of the group. How many games and goals has he saved us. Arsenal’s number one for the next 15 years and future England starter. Let us not forget the absolute daisy cutters that Rammers has been pulling out of late. Wouldn’t look out of place in the number 6.
5. Emile Smith Rowe – Hale End boy. Now England international. Moves the ball quickly. Work rate second to none, and he has now added goals to this game. A fan favourite and will only be getting better and better.
6. Bukayo Saka – Our starboy. A slow start to the season, but his quality and potential is undeniable. There’s no secret that when Saka is on song Arsenal score more goals. He creates high quality chances for his team mates and himself. Big season ahead if Arsenal climb into the top four.
7. Ben White – the 50 million pound signing that so many in the media criticised. Ask me now who would rather Ben White or Harry Maguire. I know that I am siding with the Arsenal CB. Strong defensively, intelligent and showing signs of leadership. His partnership with Gabriel has me very excited.
8. Kieran Tierney – Lost his place recently with Nuno’s form, however KT should remain first choice. Reliable and a fierce attacking threat. I expect the rising competition to fuel his fire to be successful.
9. Granit Xhaka – Injured for the past few months, but the Liverpool game just gone shows how much we miss him. Xhaka brings control. For all his flaws, he wants to get on the ball and play forward to beat the press. I believe we will see an even better Granit than we have seen in the past on his return. Important to note that Xhaka has always played with a poor defence behind him.
10. Alexandre Lacazette – Into the last year of his contract but Lacazette has shown that experience is still important. He maybe doesn’t have the quality to allow us to dominate the likes of Liverpool, but he provides the quality on nights against weaker opposition such as Villa and Tottenham etc.
11. Takehira Tomiyasu – Mr Dependable Tomi. A solid 7-8/10 every time he plays. Fits the bill for Arteta’s system to provide the balance. Fantastic signing.
12. Martin Odegaard – Started brightly, but faltered somewhat. I expect Odegaard to regain his starting spot this year and climb this table quickly. The creativity he brings is frightening.
13. Albert Sambi Lokonga – Raw, talented, and young. High Potential, and will develop. Game time this seasonhas given him a platform to improve, but don’t expect consistency until next season earliest.
14. Ainsley Maitland Niles – what a season this young man has had. Wanted to leave and then a full circle. AMN will perform well this season no doubt. Love his ability on the press. The acceleration is frightening.
15. Nuno Taveres – Again raw, but super exciting. Taveres will progress in the next few years. It really is exciting to see a young back up who has potential to grow but can also step into Tierney’s shoes and perform admirably.

A lot to digest here and certainly plenty of contentious thoughts. Rewind 6 months and KT would’ve been right up the top of this list. AMN, Nuno Taveres and Lokonga’s impressive form have seen them push the likes of Leno, Pepe, Holding and Martinelli to the fringes .

The beauty of football means form, injuries and tactics will no doubt cause some change over the course of the season.

Comment your rankings below or on twitter. Let’s get the debate going.

Kia kaha.