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It has been a season to forget for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's men have been poor this season, as they are languishing in ninth place in the Premier League table with only one game to go.
The Gunners have a lot to think about this summer, including transfers and the managerial position. The signing of Willian has proved to be a disastrous one, while big-money signings like Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe have struggled for consistency.
With abysmal performances in the league, the Europa League was seen as an ideal competition for Arsenal to flourish. However, the Gunners were knocked out of the tournament by their former manager Unai Emery's Villarreal in the semi-finals, adding salt to their wounds.
Not many players have been consistently good for Arsenal this season, but the young stars of the club have provided some respite. On that note, let's take a look at the five best Arsenal players this season.
#5 Rob Holding
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has used a rotating cast of centre-backs to partner Rob Holding this season, with the Englishman being a constant presence in the Gunners' defence.
Holding, who joined Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 for £2.7 million, has had his issues with injuries. This season, though, he has become a vital cog in the Arsenal backline. There have been calls to give Holding a strong centre-back, leadership responsibilities after producing some good performances.
The 25-year old has made 29 Premier League appearances this season. With David Luiz set to leave the club in the summer, the pressure on Holding will increase next season.
Holding will not be short of competition, though, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Pablo Mari and the returning William Saliba all likely to pose a threat to the Englishman.
#4 Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette has not been short of critics since his debut for Arsenal, but he has been one of the better players for the Gunners this season.
The France international joined Arsenal from Lyon for a then club-record fee of £47.7 million in 2017. Lacazette was seen as the answer to Arsenal's striker problem. But the forward has not been a consistent goalscorer.
A hard-working attacker with good passing ability, Lacazette has been used as an attacking midfielder this season by Arteta.
The 29-year old has arguably enjoyed his best season as an Arsenal player this campaign. Lacazette has made 30 Premier League appearances in 2020-21, scoring 13 goals and providing two assists.
He could leave Arsenal this summer, though, with Atletico Madrid said to be interested in his services.
Also Read: 5 players who have stepped up at the business end of the 2020-21 season.
#3 Kieran Tierney
Arsenal's transfer business in recent years has been a mixed bag, but one acquisition that they can be proud of is Kieran Tierney.
A highly-rated talent during his Celtic days, Tierney joined Arsenal in 2019 for a fee of £24.3 million. The left-back has impressed with his performances this season, although questions have been raised over his injury record since joining Arsenal. Tierney missed chunks of last season due to injury.
However, there is no denying his talent. The Scotland international, who can also operate as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man backline, has played 26 league games this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists. The 23-year old has been appreciated for his intensity, commitment and crossing ability.
#2 Emile Smith Rowe
Since Arteta made Emile Smith Rowe a fixture in Arsenal's first XI, there has been a positive change in the team's performances.
After an abysmal start to Arsenal's season, Arteta elevated Smith Rowe to the first team, and the youngster has not disappointed. As an attacking midfielder, Smith Rowe, a product of the club's academy, has provided more fluidity to Arsenal's attacks and has arguably been a key factor in the team's recovery this season.
The 20-year old has often been utilised as a left winger this season. Smith Rowe, who previously spent time on loan at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, has made 19 league appearances in 2020-21, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
#1 Bukayo Saka
There is not much to be said about Arsenal's season when the club's best performer during the 2020-21 campaign has been a 19-year-old playing only in his second entire season.
Bukayo Saka is a beautiful player, but at 19, he should not be carrying the amount of pressure he is subjected to at Arsenal. A brilliant youngster with good creativity and incredible versatility, Saka has often been key to Arsenal's performances this season.
Capable of playing anywhere on the left flank and in midfield and on the right wing, the England international has a bright future ahead of him. He has made 31 Premier League appearances this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
Also Read: Premier League 2020-21: Top 10 players this season according to ratings.
