Premier League: Arsenal’s 2019-20 Players of the Year
On offense, Arsenal was in the middle of the pack in the Premier League, getting goal opportunities and scoring. However, there were signs of improvement under Arteta.
The Gunners were ninth in the league in goals scored and tenth in expected goals (xG). They were one of the best in converting scoring chances. Their offensive conversion rate was +3.8, fourth-best, and their conversion rate in open play of +3.3 was fifth-best.
The club scored two or more goals in eight of their first 18 league matches. In that same period, they were shut out in four games and averaged 1.33 goals per game.
Under Arteta, Arsenal scored two or more goals in four of their ten league matches. They were only shut out one time and averaged 1.6 goals per match. In the last three matches before the pause in play, the Gunners bashed in eight goals, including four against a typically defensively solid Newcastle.
Arsenal had three stand-out offensive performers.
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The $88 million summer transfer, Nicolas Pépé, led in assists and added four goals. He also ranked third in xG, non-penalty xG, non-penalty xG plus expected assists per 90 minutes (npxG+xA/90), shots on target, and shots per 90 minutes.
Alexandre Lacazette struggled with an injury to his left ankle at the start of the season, which led to him only starting 15 league matches. However, he knocked in seven goals and added three assists. The 28-year old Frenchman was tops on the club in npxG+xA/90 and goal creating actions per 90 minutes.
The clear and absurdly obvious choice for Arsenal’s offensive player of the year is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The veteran 30-year old is second in the Premier League in goals with 17 and is tenth in non-penalty xG. Auba is also the league’s most clinical goal scorer in open play with a goal conversion rate of +5.5.
In his second full season at Arsenal, Aubameyang has notched a brace in three league matches. He also led the club in shots, shots on target, xG, and non-penalty xG.
The prolific striker also contributed on the defensive side of the ball. He led the club in pressures, successful pressures, and tackles in the attacking third.
This season marked Aubameyang’s ninth straight season knocking in a double-digit number of goals, averaging 20.4 goals each season. This streak spans three different clubs in three different countries – each one arguably more difficult than the last.
Imagine if Arteta could get the best of all three players at the same time.