At the halfway point of the season, it is time to hand out mid-season grades to the Gunners. We begin with the goalkeepers and defenders, whose performances have played a major role in Arsenal’s campaign so far.
Goalkeepers
David Raya (GK) – 9
The Spaniard’s concentration levels have improved dramatically in 2025. Due to the defensive structure in front of him, the 30-year-old often has matches where he has very little to do, meaning his focus must remain world class throughout. Whether acting as a sweeper or judging when to come and collect a cross, Raya regularly takes the pressure off the back four. Raya claimed back-to-back Premier League Golden Glove Awards in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Kepa (GK) – 6
Kepa has not disgraced himself in his three EFL Cup starts so far. He will feel far more integrated after his penalty save against Crystal Palace, which helped Arsenal reach the semi-finals.
Defenders
Lewis-Skelly (LB) – 5
The consensus since the teenager made his debut has been that he is excellent going forward but prone to defensive mistakes. This explains why Mikel Arteta has trusted the left-back to start only once in the league this season. Even in cameo appearances, opponents appear to target him due to his positioning. As a result, the 19-year-old has lost his place in England’s squad, although learning through this period will be part of his development.
Calafiori (LB) – 9
It is strange to think that this time last year some Gooners were suggesting the defender should be allowed to return to Italy. The issue was never the 23-year-old’s talent, but his ability to enjoy a sustained run in the team. The Italian continues to redefine the left-back role, carrying the ball forward while also knowing when to step into midfield. He is also a constant aerial threat.
Hincapie (LB/CB) – 7
Hincapie appears more comfortable at left-back. His first Premier League start did not arrive until the North London derby, where he played at centre-back. Due to injuries, the 23-year-old has rarely had a settled partner in central defence. The Ecuadorian can handle physical opponents when teams go direct, although he can be a little rash in possession. Arsenal are obliged to make his loan permanent for £52 million, and it remains debatable whether he has fully justified that fee so far.
Timber (RB/CB) – 9
The Netherlands are spoilt for choice at right-back, but on current form Timber may be among the best in the world, particularly in one-v-one defending. That reliability explains why he can also be trusted as a centre-back. His understanding with Bukayo Saka continues to improve.
White (RB/CB) – 7
Such has been Timber’s form that Ben White was in danger of becoming the forgotten man at the Emirates. It was refreshing to see the 28-year-old start four consecutive games and quickly rediscover his chemistry with Saka. He may yet prove valuable as a centre-back option if he can stay fit.
Saliba (CB) – 8
Saliba was part of the defence that went eight consecutive matches without conceding. If Arsenal allowed Manchester City back into the title race, it was largely because the centre-back partnership could not remain intact. At 24, the Frenchman lacks Gabriel’s leadership qualities and can sometimes overcompensate in the Brazilian’s absence.
Gabriel (CB) – 9
Gabriel’s influence at both ends of the pitch has defined the first half of the season. Always a threat in the air, the Brazilian has taken a significant step forward as a leader. Defending has become a lost art in recent years, so it is refreshing to see how much the 28-year-old relishes a last-ditch block or tackle. Together, he and Saliba restrict opponents to shots, let alone goals. If Arsenal succeed in the coming years, it will be built on this partnership. Gary Lineker believes Gabriel is the best in the world in his position.
Mosquera (CB) – 7
Injuries forced the Spaniard into Premier League action far earlier than his manager would have preferred, but he never looked out of place. He has the physical attributes to cope with English football, although he is less comfortable on the ball. At just 21, improvement is expected.
Do you agree with these defensive grades, or would you score some of Arsenal’s defenders differently at the halfway stage?
Let’s discuss in the comments.
Dan Smith
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Gabriel and Timber should be 10. They can’t do anything humanly possible more to be even better. They are already the best RB and CB in the league. They are monsters at defence and beasts in offence.
If you want to deduct a point for staying fit, then Gabriel’s only 9 but even this in mind, Timber should be 10. Can’t rate him lower as the best RB in the league.
As I can’t wait for more grades, I think Gabriel, Timber and Rice all deserve 10.
9: Calafiori, Raya, Merino, Trossard. Why Merino? He has constantly popped up with important goals despite playing in an unfamiliar position. He’s okay in midfield, but to chip in with crucial goals as a striker, has to warrant a high grade. I mean, how much more can you expect of him? For 30 millions, he has exceeded my expectations tenfold.
Saliba, Saka, Zubi, Mosquera, all 8 for different reasons.
5 to 7: Ödegaard, Eze, Gyökeres, MLS, Martinelli, Madueke, Hincapie, White. All of them: moments of brilliance, moments of no end product, in and out of form, injuries. On their good day they have given us a lot, and even on their bad day they haven’t really hurt us. But there’s a lot of room for improvent and consistency.
No grade: Norgaard, Kepa, Nwaneri, Havertz, Jesus. Simply because they haven’t had the chance to feature enough for my liking. I don’t want to give low grades to players who haven’t even had the proper chance to show their quality.
I agree with the ratings. Our defence have been good so far.
I think Musquera deserves atleast 8.5 in the rankings. I don’t understand at all, what’s meant by “he’s not comfortable on the ball”. The only defender who beats him in that regard is ofcourse, the incomparable Jurien Timber.
For me Raya and the defense are doing a sound job. But the two obvious stand outs for me are Timber and Gabriel.
Raya, Timber, Gabi is a ten for me. I remember when Gabi came, he had a few errors in him and some people wanted him gone, Boy dusted himself up and after Saliba finally came back he hasn’t looked back since.
Can’t argue much with the rest of ratings. We are in good moment
I agree with the grades and the reasoning behind them
Have to say when Raya arrived I wasnt happy as Ramsdale had helped us get back into CL and to 2nd place in the league.. I didnt see the need for ‘two number ones’
Having a very good defence in front of you that didnt hardly allows shots let alone goals early this season also helps.. though when called upon he really has made some world class saves and his distribution has helped us get some quick counters
Don’t disagree on M-LS but is he really a defender or a midfielder playing out of position? Needs must, but I think he would become a good midfielder if that’s in his future.