Arsenal are at the top of the Premier League table at the time of writing with 69 points from 28 matches. They are eight points clear of Manchester City, who have a match in hand. Mikel Arteta’s side have a very good chance of securing their first league title in almost two decades.
Several Arsenal players have performed well and some have even exceeded expectations for the Gunners this season. Their attacking unit has been excellent and they possess arguably the best pair of wingers in club football at the moment. What makes Arsenal’s wingers the best in the business?
Numbers tell the story for the Gunners
Both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have done stupendous work for their club this season. While Saka has 13 goals and 10 assists, Martinelli has scored 13 and registered two assists. With 11 matches in the league still remaining and Arsenal still alive in the Europa League, those numbers seem destined to increase.
Both Saka and Martinelli like to cut in with their left and right foot, respectively, and also take shots at the goal from outside the 18 yard box. Saka also has the ability to deliver crosses with his right foot. His cross to Martinelli against Crystal Palace that was met perfectly is the latest example in this regard.
Saka then registered an assist and scored a goal in England’s win over Ukraine. Saka can every well stake the claim for being one of the best right wingers in the world for his performances this season.
Martinelli suffered a temporary dip in form midway through the season. Leandro Trossard, who was signed in the January Transfer Window from Brighton and Hove Albion, took his place in the team for a few matches.
However, Martinelli recovered his form by becoming more direct in his approach. He has frequently entered into the opposition bod in the last few matches to meet crosses and has added the ability to head goals home.
Trossard has now started playing as a false nine, as Martinelli retained his position as the left winger. Arsenal’s front three continue to slice opposition defences open with their quick and adroit passing, ably helped by Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal’s duo compared to other wingers
When comparing the performance of Arsenal’s wingers with wingers of other clubs, it is clear to see the supremacy of the Gunners’ duo.
Opposing Premier League wingers
Manchester City have Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish on their flanks, but Saka has left Foden in the dust as the most impressive English youngster in the Premier League.
Grealish does not quite have the same finishing ability as Saka or Martinelli. Mahrez’s goal tally (12 goals this season thus far) has been inflated by the fact that he takes penalties for Man City when Erling Haaland does not.
Liverpool play Darwin Nunez on the left flank to partner with the magical Mohamed Salah. However, Nunez is more of a center-forward and has struggled at times to adapt out wide.
The same is true for Manchester United, who play Marcus Rashford on the left wing on most occasions. Antony is in his first season with the Red Devils and is still adapting to the Premier League.
La Liga and Bundesliga wingers
Barcelona have the impressive Raphinha playing on the right flank. But Ousmane Dembele’s performances have been inconsistent as he has struggled to stay fit.
The same can also be said for Real Madrid, who have struggled to find a well-settled right-winger to go with Vinicius Junior on the opposite flank.
Bayern Munich have played Thomas Muller on the left-flank at times despite having the likes of Leroy Sane in their ranks.
Arsenal have the best performing pair of wingers at the moment, and they have played a crucial role in their return to prominence in English football.