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Arsenal have been away from the Champions League for a long time now, last qualifying for the competition in 2017. The 2021-22 season might be the season that brings the Gunners back into the competition after finishing in the top four of the Premier League.
The London club are currently two points away from fourth place with two games in hand. That being said, the competition for a place in the Champions League is fierce in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal have struggled with consistency
Arsenal's biggest problem in the past few years has been their inconsistency on the pitch. They have unexpectedly won and lost games, eventually resulting in a poor finish in the Premier League.
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However, they look in good form this season. But they face strong competition from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers for a place in the top four this season.
Their decent performance this campaign is courtesy of some fine individual performances. Let's take a look at those players who have done well for the Gunners this season.
(Only players with a minimum 10 appearances have been considered for this list.)
Note: All stats are as per WhoScored
#5 Aaron Ramsdale (6.94)
Many questioned Arsenal's signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United at the start of the season but time has proved the club right. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has done quite well ever since joining the Gunners.
With his athleticism and acrobatic saves, Ramsdale has come to the club's rescue more often than not this season. Having kept 10 clean sheets already, he has the second-most clean sheets in the Premier League so far.
Out of the 68 saves he has attempted, Ramsdale has managed to successfully complete 51 with a success ratio of 80.9%. The Englishman's performance between the sticks has been of utmost help to Mikel Arteta and the same will be needed for the remainder of the season.
#4 Gabriel Martinelli (6.95)
The young Brazilian is a dynamic forward with plenty of skill at his disposal. Gabriel Martinelli can play almost anywhere in the attacking area on the pitch.
Injuries have kept the youngster off the pitch for the past two seasons but it looks like this season might be different this time around. Martinelli has made 14 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring four times and registering two assists.
With a goal contribution after every 145 minutes, the Brazilian attacker is only getting better and more effective for the Gunners. Martinelli's goal-scoring abilities will have come to good use if Arsenal are to qualify for the Champions League next season.
#3 Takehiro Tomiyasu (6.96)
Arsenal's signings in the summer transfer window were questioned by many but Takehiro Tomiyasu has been one of their better signings. With the departure of Hector Bellerin, the Gunners needed a regular and natural right-back, for which they turned to Tomiyasu.
The Japanese full-back had an impressive spell at Bologna in Serie A for two seasons before deciding to play in the Premier League. Tomiyasu has adapted well to the demands of the league and looks quite confident on the ball.
With 12 crosses to his name, he has made the fifth-most number of crosses in the league so far. Using his attacking mentality and sharpness, Tomiyasu offers a lot on the right flank. It will come in handy for Arsenal as the season progresses into its final third phase.
#2 Emile Smith Rowe (6.98)
Emile Smith Rowe has been one of Arsenal's best attacking players in the 2021-22 season. The youngster has been sharp and energetic going forward and hasn't shied away from taking his chances.
The 21-year-old has scored eight goals this season and registered two assists in 19 league appearances this season while playing as an attacking midfielder. With 17 shots on target and a shot accuracy of 63%, Smith Rowe has the best record in this regard.
The Englishman's ability to find pockets of space has been the key to his impressive performance this season. Mikel Arteta will be hoping the youngster carries on with the same form and proves productive in front of goal.
#1 Bukayo Saka (6.99)
Another youngster who has proven important for the Gunners is Bukayo Saka. The 20-year-old is having his best season so far since becoming a regular first-team player.
His versatility has been very helpful to Arsenal as it allows the manager to use different formations and accommodate other players. Saka has been used as a left-back, left winger, right winger and also as a left wing-back.
In the 2021-22 season, he has already scored six goals and registered four assists in 21 league appearances.
Saka's dribbling and creativity makes him a big threat in attack. He has drawn 51 fouls so far this season, the fourth best in the Premier League.
The Englishman is incredibly talented and is showing signs of being a top-quality footballer. His performance for the rest of the season will define Arsenal's final position in the league table.
