5 best tacklers at Arsenal right now

#3 Takehiro Tomiyasu

Arsenal v Newcastle United - Premier League

When Arsenal roped in for Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu, there were a few things that fans were not convinced about. First, this was a transfer from a low-profile club in Serie A, namely Bologna, so generally the hype wasn't over the top.

Second, Arsenal's arch rivals Tottenham had been linked with the right-back before he arrived at the Emirates. So fans weren't sure why the Lily Whites didn't sign him and why their club did. Ten games later, Tomiyasu has become a fan favorite and no one has any doubts that Arteta recruited the right guy for the job.

With Hector Bellerin, the Gunners had the advantage in terms of pace, but he was never completely reliable on the defensive front. Now even though the Japanese is quite adventurous himself, he makes sure that he does his primary job of defending to his best.

Tomiyasu has made 19 tackles for Arsenal so far, accompanied by 16 interceptions. He has been dribbled past only three times so far, has been a solid header of the ball and, unlike Bellerin, is rarely late in tracking back.

If the former Bologna man can continue his performances, he will be an absolute value for money at €18.6m.

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#2 Albert Sambi Lokonga

Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Premier League

If you are captaining Anderlecht at the age of 21 and learning the trade under the wing of Vincent Kompany, there are not many reasons not to spend cash on you. Mikel Arteta did the same when he realized the potential of Albert Sambi Lokonga and spent €17.5m for his signature.

The Arsenal faithful were not supposed to be seeing much of the young Belgian midfielder but all thanks to Granit Xhaka, he has been getting regular game time. Lokonga arrived as someone who could play backup to the Swiss and Thomas Partey, but his performances suggest Xhaka might not walk in the team so easily.

There is so much to like about Lokonga. His ability to make progressive passes, to pick runs from strikers and the consistency with which he maintains the press for Arsenal. In fact, his work-rate without the ball has been appreciated as well. The 22-year old has made 19 tackles in his 9 appearances in the Premier League.

He has made 19 interceptions for the Gunners, which is second only to Ben White. It wouldn't be wrong to see him get more game time even when Xhaka is back, because he compliments Partey really well and is not reckless like the Swiss.

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#1 Thomas Partey

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

It is really shameful that since joining from Atletico Madrid, a usually fit and running Thomas Partey has been in and out of the squad with injuries. There have been glimpses of the midfielder's dominant and imposing personality but he hasn't been the same since leaving La Liga.

The start to the campaign has been positive so far and the numbers have been encouraging. The Ghana international has been Arsenal's best tackler this season with 20 tackles and has been great with recovering the ball.

The midfield pivot of Lokonga and Partey has been important for Arteta's side as they have pressed with great intent and are always looking for a forward pass.

The 28-year old has been eager to take chances at scoring goals and is often seen trying to curl his shots into the top corners. Partey's wait for his first Arsenal goal came to an end when he scored a header in a 3-1 victory against Aston Villa.

The ankle and hip injuries have been a matter of concern and Arsenal will have to ensure his workload is managed well in December.