With seven Premier League games played, a League Cup tie completed and two Europa League clashes won, we look at Arsenal’s three best players of the season so far.
After Arsenal’s chaotic start to the season, you would have been pressed to pick out three players who even deserved to wear the shirt, let alone who you could describe as decent. However, since losing 4-0 at Anfield, the Gunners have picked up the pace, keeping five clean sheets and winning six out of our last seven clashes.
While we still have a long way to go, there are a few players who stand out above the rest.
Nacho Monreal
When making notes for this feature, Monreal was the first name I wrote down without hesitation.
The left-back has adapted wonderfully to his new central position in Arsenal’s three-man defensive line and has saved his side’s skin more times than I can count.
The 31-year-old went from making a goal line clearance against BATE Borisov on Thursday to scoring his first Premier League since March 2013 against Brighton on Sunday.
Monreal is one of the most consistent players Arsenal currently have and his passion shines through. All you need to do is look at his face whenever the ball is in the back of the opposition’s net to see how much he adores this club.
The defender is ranked as the 12th-best player in the Premier League at the moment according to Squawka and has also been statistically rated the highest out of any other Arsenal player after the 2-0 win over Brighton.
He’s completed 92% of his passes, makes an average of eight defensive actions per game and has created four chances.
Sead Kolasinac
After Arsenal signed the wing-back from Schalke on a free over the summer, Kolasinac quickly became a fan favourite.
The 24-year-old may not be rated as highly as Petr Cech or Shkodran Mustafi in Sky Sports‘ power rankings but considering he’s bedding into a new league and has been nothing less than an absolute beast, I think he deserves a place in our top three.
The Bosnian Hulk makes an average of four defensive moves per game and has a pass completion rate of 83%.
He also scored in the Community Shield against Chelsea, forcing the pre-season clash to penalties, and in the Europa League against FC Cologne.
Kolasinac smashes in the equaliser. 1-1 pic.twitter.com/kO0KRjGc99
— Terje (@xArsenalTerje) September 14, 2017
Alexandre Lacazette
The former Lyon striker has already scored four goals in seven Premier League appearances, which is amazing considering the bloke’s still adapting to a new style of football.
Laca has a shot accuracy of 67%, has created seven chances himself and has impressed fans with his admirable work rate.
After Arsenal spent a club record of £52m on him early in the summer and failed to make any other ‘big’ signings, pressure was piled onto the 26-year-old’s shoulders. However, he didn’t show it and while he does need to add away goals to his repertoire, this will come with time.