Arsenal have enjoyed a successful season despite being knocked out of all cup competitions. The Gunners lead the way in the Premier League title race heading into the final 11 games of the season, five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both picked up honours at the London Football Awards for their contributions in Mikel Arteta's side this season. Saka was awarded the Young Player of the Year award, whilst the Arsenal club captain picked up the Player of the Year award.
Arteta was awarded the Manager of the Year honour as recognition for his brilliant achievement in turning the Gunners into Premier League title challengers as they continue to fight City at the top of the table. There have been a number of other standout performers this season, including Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsdale and Thomas Partey.
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Former City goalkeeper David James believes Partey has been the most crucial player for Arsenal this season and should be considered as the Premier League's most outstanding player this term given his importance in Arteta's side. James told Lord Ping: "Thomas Partey at Arsenal has been excellent this season.
"There is a direct correlation between Arsenal’s performances with him in the team than without him - he has been a huge part of the reason why Arsenal are having such a successful season. He doesn’t score many goals, but you won’t get past him and he offers that Arsenal midfield a sense of solidity that they need if they want to consistently compete for the biggest prizes."
Partey's absence through injury this season has seen the Gunners suffer two defeats against City and Manchester United. The Ghanaian midfielder has been brilliant in a holding midfield role, protecting the defence and winning possession back quickly to allow the attack to flourish.
Arsenal added Leandro Trossard to Arteta's squad in the January transfer window after the Belgian completed a £27million move to the Emirates Stadium. James believes Trossard's arrival has been "excellent" with the 27-year-old having a "sensational" impact for his new club.
"I think the acquisition of Leandro Trossard has been an excellent one. What he has done since joining Arsenal has been sensational," James added.
"What he did against Fulham, setting up three goals in the first half of a match has never been done in the Premier League before. I think he has been a very impressive signing for Arsenal."
Arteta found little consolation in Arsenal's Europa League exit this week despite it potentially being a 'blessing in disguise' as they now have less fixtures to deal with compared to City. Pep Guardiola's side progressed into the last-eight of the Champions League, adding to their fixture congestion, whilst the Gunners can now solely focus on winning their first Premier League title since 2004.
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