Arsenal’s 2024 Awards: Best Player, Most Improved & More

Key Highlights:

• Arsenal delivered impressive performances in 2024 but missed out on major trophies.
• Mikel Arteta’s side featured several standout players throughout the year.
• The highlight of the year was a thrilling February victory over Liverpool.

2024 was an unusual year for Arsenal.
Despite having the best record of any Premier League team over the calendar year, the Gunners finished the 2023/24 season as runners-up to Manchester City. By December, they trailed both Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in the league standings.

The team achieved a significant milestone by winning their first Champions League knockout-round tie in 14 years. However, like Manchester United, Arsenal ended the year with only one piece of silverware — a Community Shield. While their highs weren’t as extreme as their lows, Arsenal fans still had plenty of moments to cherish during the year.

Best Player: William Saliba

While Bukayo Saka’s consistency, Martin Ødegaard’s brilliance, and Gabriel’s strength in set-pieces deserve acknowledgment, William Saliba emerged as Arsenal’s standout performer in 2024.

As the anchor of Arsenal’s defense, Saliba’s commanding presence not only drew admiration from his teammates but also enhanced the performances of those around him, particularly Gabriel. His poise, reliability, and leadership at the back were instrumental in the team’s success.

Most Improved Player: David Raya

David Raya’s first season at Arsenal began under challenging circumstances, largely due to Mikel Arteta’s controversial decision to rotate goalkeepers. This approach initially created uncertainty, but Raya eventually silenced his critics with a defining performance in March, saving two penalties as Arsenal overcame Porto in the Champions League Round of 16.

With Aaron Ramsdale departing for Southampton in the summer, Raya cemented his position as the Gunners’ first-choice goalkeeper. His confidence grew with every match, and his acrobatic saves were pivotal in ensuring Arsenal remained competitive during the early stages of the 2024/25 campaign.

Best Young Player: Ethan Nwaneri

At just 17 years old, Ethan Nwaneri showcased remarkable maturity and talent in 2024. The teenage midfielder made 17 appearances, most as a substitute, and scored four goals.

Nwaneri’s ability to read the game and his exceptional spatial awareness earned him praise from teammates like Riccardo Calafiori, who described his talent as “pure.” Arteta exercised caution in managing Nwaneri’s game time, ensuring the youngster remained a key prospect for the club’s future.

Top Scorer: Kai Havertz

The chant “£60 million down the drain, Kai Havertz scores again!” became a familiar sound at the Emirates in 2024. The German forward scored 21 goals across all competitions, making him Arsenal’s leading scorer for the year.

Although his unconventional playing style often divides opinion, Havertz’s knack for finding the back of the net was undeniable. Bukayo Saka closely followed with 20 goals, while Arsenal’s collective set-piece efforts added an impressive 19 goals in the Premier League alone.

Best Signing: Riccardo Calafiori

In a year of modest recruitment, Riccardo Calafiori emerged as Arsenal’s best signing. While Mikel Merino also impressed, injuries slightly limited his impact.

Calafiori’s defining moment came in September, when he scored a spectacular equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City. Though Arsenal’s 2024 transfer activity wasn’t groundbreaking, Calafiori’s contributions provided moments of brilliance.

Best Moment: Arsenal Sweep Past Liverpool

Arsenal’s finest moment of 2024 came in February when they hosted Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at the Emirates. Trailing the league leaders by five points, the Gunners delivered a masterclass performance, dominating the visitors in every aspect of the game.

A false-nine setup featuring Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz unsettled Liverpool’s defense, with Bukayo Saka opening the scoring. Although a handball from Gabriel allowed Liverpool to equalize before halftime, Arsenal responded with a commanding display to secure a 3-1 victory.

The Emirates erupted at the final whistle, and Ødegaard immortalized the moment by borrowing a pitch-side photographer’s camera. While the resulting photos were blurry, the memory of that night remains crystal clear for Arsenal fans.

2024 may not have brought Arsenal major trophies, but it solidified their potential and set the stage for future success.