1 of 5
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of next season unless he signs an extension to his current deal. REUTERS

Robin van Persie has starred for Arsenal this season, and so far the striker is the only up front man to have scored more than half the goals for his team throughout the Premier League.

But there are players around van Persie that should be making Arsenal fans excited this campaign, even if the club are unable to make a Champions League spot for next season.

Mikel Arteta, for one, has slowly found a way to fill the gap left by Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, even though the midfielder has been struggling with injuries. His cracking goal at the weekend against Blackburn was a testament to that fact.

Szczesney has also taken on more of a leadership role at Arsenal, and has said in the past that he would love to captain the side one day. But the keeper also pointed out that he would happily follow van Persie's lead.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proven to be another top class signing for Arsene Wenger, and the youngster told the official Arsenal website that even though he's currently starring in his mentions for the side, he's happy to keep learning from players like van Persie and Henry.

Henry has also proven to be a stroke of genius from Wenger, bringing the club together off as well as on the pitch. Van Persie himself has admitted that Henry provides inspiration, and that the strikers are already clicking with their styles of play.

And Theo Walcott has also been a big help to van Persie, with the winger insisting he's happy to provide assists rather than goal wherever possible to help the team get ahead.

IBTimes UK looks at the five players who have helped Arsenal get out of the worst start to their season in over 50 years and push for a top four spot.