Risers: We must start with Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward was Arsenal’s most influential going by many data providers before Christmas. We launched these rankings at the start of 2023 during his injury, so this is the first time he’s crept into the top 11 – up three places following his two goals. If he can show the consistency of performance he did before his injury, he will really threaten Saka and Odegaard for that top spot.
Granit Xhaka has had a brilliant run of games, scoring for club and country regularly in recent weeks. He’s rediscovered that goal scoring touch at a crucial stage for Arsenal and is now only behind the frequent top three of Saka, Odegaard and Martinelli.
Leandro Trossard is currently up there for best January signing ever for Arsenal. He’s been so influential in setting up goals and bringing out the best in others. Mikel Arteta has a real dilemma with who to start at Anfield now, with Trossard, Martinelli and Saka in the top five and Jesus gunning for top spot.
Fallers: Zinchenko has continued to do well, but he hasn’t excelled in recent weeks as much as he did in January and February and with others shining very bright, he’s down to 10th.
Thomas Partey also had a quieter game against Leeds, with his substitution and recent news suggesting he is managing his way through a slight injury currently. We’ve seen Partey’s performances fluctuate massively depending on his fitness, so fans will be hopeful he can shake it off for Sunday’s trip to Anfield.