'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After just barely making the top four last season, Arsenal have gone a few steps further this season by mounting what has to be considered a very serious title challenge. They have impressed for much of the campaign, taking the spotlight away from current champions Manchester United who, at the moment, can do nothing about it.
There have been several standout performers in what is turning out to be a dream season for the Gunners. According to Squawka’s Performance Score rating, here are the top three:
3. Mesut Ozil (539 points)
Arsenal’s record signing makes the cut, Mesut Ozil has scored a Performance Score of 539. This season he has created 48 chances, getting a staggering seven assists. The German international has scored four Premier League goals and has a shot accuracy of 82% this term.
2. Aaron Ramsey (643 points)
This season has proved to be a remarkable turning point in Ramsey’s career, after it fell to a low ebb last season. He was booed by his own fans after putting in less-than-impressive displays, which forced Arsene Wenger to protect him. The Frenchman’s care and faith has paid off, as Ramsey has battled back impressively this season.
Prior to his injury, Gunners’ best player, according to Squawka’s Performance Score rating, and he has made the most tackles for his club (57) and has scored eight league goals for them, only Olivier Giroud (9) has scored more. Those two stats perfectly reflect how very involved he has been at both ends of the field. His energy and commitment have been outstanding, as has been his overall attitude. Should Arsenal go on to lift the league trophy, they will have the Welshman – their midfield maestro- to thank.
1. Per Mertesacker (663 points)
Arsenal’s best player this season, with a Performance Score of 663. The tall German didn’t enjoy the best of starts to his Arsenal career, but has adapted nicely now, proving a rock at the heart of what is statistically the league’s best defence so far this season, as they have conceded 19 goals. He ranks as the league’s third-best defender behind Everton pair Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka. Arsenal’s friendly giant has a pass accuracy of 92%, while he has won 56% of his tackles and won a staggering 70% of his tackles.
