Ranking Arsenal's Top 5 Players for April
It’s difficult to find positives for Arsenal. The dream of the title is gone, the fans are unhappy and the team look decidedly uninspired. April was particularly painful.
The malaise around the club is such that individual performances have passed largely without comment. However, there are several players who did manage to shine over the course of the month. In this piece, we identify the five players who most impressed for the Gunners.
Go to the next slide to discover who has made the cut and begin the countdown.
5. Mesut Ozil
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The assists may have dried up for Mesut Ozil, but he remains a beguiling player to watch.
Ozil has gone eight games without setting up a goal, which is a kind of drought for him. However, his vision and skill is still there to see. For example, in Arsenal’s most recent match, against Norwich City, he produced a volleyed pass that will live long in the memory of those fortunate to have witnessed it in person. That’s the magic of Ozil; in every game, he produces one or two unforgettable moments.
He also scored in the match against West Ham United, tucking home confidently when sent clear by Alex Iwobi. That was his eighth goal of the season. A player in Ozil’s position should be aiming for at least 10 goals in any given campaign. There is still time—just about—for Ozil to hit that particular tally.
He’ll also be hoping to use the final two matches of the season to overhaul Thierry Henry’s Premier League assist record of 20. The German must create three goals in the final 180 minutes of Arsenal's season if he is to set a new benchmark for creativity in the English top flight.
4. Hector Bellerin
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April was the month in which Hector Bellerin was officially named as the right-back in the PFA Team of the Year, and he proved his credentials with some strong performances. Against Watford, he scored his only Premier League goal of the season thus far, swerving infield to find the net with a deflected strike.
He was also outstanding against West Bromwich Albion, when his partnership with Alexis Sanchez on the right flank terrorised the Baggies defence. Time after time, the Spaniard tore to the byline before whipping in crosses. The opposition simply couldn’t keep pace.
However, it wasn’t a perfect month for Bellerin. His end product could be better—sometimes he gets into brilliant positions but fails to deliver a telling ball. Furthermore, there are still defensive issues he needs to iron out of his game. Those were in evidence during the match at West Ham, when he struggled against the aerial prowess of Andy Carroll and company.
Nevertheless, what he’s doing at such a such age remains extraordinary. Bellerin only recently turned 21, yet his peers rated him as the best right-back in the Premier League this season. If he can continue to develop at this rate, he will be a key component of the Arsenal side next season.
3. Alex Iwobi
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In a disappointing season for Arsenal, Alex Iwobi’s emergence has been one of the bright spots. He started April superbly, scoring against Watford with a beautiful swept finish on his first Premier League start at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal then went to West Ham, and Iwobi again shone. He created the game’s first two goals for Alexis Sanchez and Ozil, although unfortunately his contribution was somewhat forgotten because of Arsenal’s subsequent capitulation.
Iwobi started every game in April. Arsene Wenger must hold him in the highest regard, as it’s rare he exposes a young player to such regular first-team football. The Nigerian already seems integral to the team—his combination play with the likes of Ozil has been one of the few interesting elements in Arsenal’s subdued attacking play. The fans love him too. When Wenger brought Iwobi off against Norwich, the decision was greeted with boos.
Having become a consistent member of the team this spring, it will be interesting to see how Iwobi’s development affects Wenger’s transfer plans this summer. Arsenal need to add new talent, but the manager will be loath to bring in players who could prevent Iwobi gaining the experience he needs to progress.
2. Mohamed Elneny
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When Mohamed Elneny arrived from Basel in January, it seemed to be to provide cover for an injury-ridden midfield. Instead, he’s made himself an automatic starter for the first team.
Asked to assess Elneny’s impact on the side, manager Arsene Wenger said, per Mattias Karen of ESPN FC: "I will judge him until the end of the season, but what is for sure is that he's had a big impact. Much bigger than expected. Because usually a guy who comes in, it takes him a few months to adapt."
One of Elneny’s biggest strengths is his ability to flourish alongside a variety of partners. In April, he played next to both Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey. Next to Coquelin, he played a box-to-box role, storming forward to join the attack when necessary. When paired with Ramsey, he is more disciplined. In Elneny, Arsenal have discovered a player with the invaluable trait of tactical intelligence.
Arsenal’s midfield is set for a bit of a revolution. Come the summer, Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky's are set to depart. It will bring Wenger comfort he can at least count on Elneny.
1. Alexis Sanchez
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Alexis Sanchez’s month ended badly. In the final game of April, against Norwich, he was substituted and stormed down the tunnel without even glancing at Wenger.
Perhaps he felt his form throughout the rest of the month earned him the opportunity to stay on the field. In the first four matches of April, Alexis plundered five goals. It was a blistering run that helped the Gunners through a difficult patch.
He was particularly inspired against West Brom, scoring twice from outside the box.
Alexis has endured a difficult season in north London, and his impact has been reduced by injury and poor form. However, there have been signs in recent weeks he is returning to something like this best. Had Arsenal not had Alexis in April, things might have been even worse.
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