#12 - Jesus back with a brace as Xhaka shines again
Arteta has a selection headache ahead of Anfield trip with Jesus firing again
Welcome back, another issue of Fresh Arsenal Digest. Things have been a bit nuts off the pitch for me at the moment and Pet is in transit - so sadly there’s no podcast this week. However, I wanted to share the latest Power Rankings update, as well as a longer list of content I’ve personally really enjoyed in the last few days. A big shoutout to the women’s team and the under 18s for their huge wins over Manchester City - you can find highlights below.
I’m working on a few longer reads which will hopefully be part of next weeks issue. If you haven’t already, subscribe below - it’s free!
Power Rankings update - Jesus bursts back into the top 11
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.
Arsenal content of the week
FA Youth-Cup highlights - Arsenal’s under 18’s reached the final with a last second goal from the impressive Myles Lewis-Skelly - Watch the highlights of our impressive run to the final.
Arsenal women also beat Manchester City recently, it wasn’t quite as late a winner but they did come from 1-0 down to win 2-1 and remain in the title race - Watch the highlights.
The Athletic’s article on how Gabriel Jesus is Arsenal’s master of chaos
The Beautiful Game Podcast sat down with former gunner Alex Iwobi - he had some really interesting (and positive) things to say about Arsenal and Saka - watch here.
Aaron Ramsdale has quietly been brilliant for Arsenal in recent weeks, this in-focus video from Arsenal highlights all of his actions against Leeds, in what was a busy first half.