Arsenal are enjoying a stellar 2022/23 season so far having won all but two of their fixtures in all competitions.
Despite dropping points against Southampton at the weekend the Gunners remain top of the Premier League after already securing qualification for the Europa League knockout rounds. Granit Xhaka has been one of the many standout performers under Mikel Arteta highlighted by the Swiss midfielder scoring crucial goals in the last two games against the Saints and PSV Eindhoven.
Gabriel Jesus may be struggling in front of goal at present, failing to score in his last five appearances, but the Brazilian has been a revelation in attack for Arsenal since arriving from Manchester City in a £45million deal. William Saliba is now proving why the Gunners forked out £27million for his services back in 2019, impressing alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in defence after a successful loan spell with Marseille last term.
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Jesus' arrival and Saliba's return to the Emirates Stadium have been influential in improving key areas of Arteta's squad and helping Arsenal mount a serious Premier League title challenge against reigning champions Manchester City this season. The Gunners sit two points clear at the top of the English top-flight with just three games left in the league before club football is suspended for the World Cup in Qatar.
The duo's impact at the Emirates Stadium has been highlighted by two key statistics that measure line-breaking passes being completed and received by a player per 90 minutes. The graph below hints that Arsenal may have their own Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the squad already when comparing Jesus and Saliba to the England internationals.
The Brazilian striker's movement has been a key addition in attack for the Gunners, along with his ability to hold off defenders and retain possession in the final third. Jesus averages 7.1 line-breaking passes received per 90 minutes whilst his north London rival Kane averages 7.3.
In terms of completing line-breaking passes, Saliba averages 4.9 per 90 minutes which is more than any other centre-back in the Premier League. The French defender matches the likes of Manchester City's Joao Cancelo and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, whilst Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold is way ahead in averaging 7.2 line-breaking passes completed per 90 minutes.
It shows the impact that both players have had at the Emirates Stadium this season, matching up to one of the best passers in the division and one of the best strikers in terms of hold-up play as well. Jesus and Saliba are proving to be vital additions to Arteta's squad and at a combined fee of £72million, both deals are proving to be bargains in an inflated transfer market.
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