Top players in the best Arsenal tradition (5)

I believe the answer is:

stars

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'top players' is the definition.
'stars' can be an answer for 'players' (star is a kind of player). I'm not certain of the 'top' bit.

'in the best arsenal tradition' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'STARS' is hidden within 'best arsenal tradition'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stars that I've seen before include "Celebs - constellation" , "''What is the ...? What is the ...? '' (Juno and the Paycock)" , "Leading performers (with stripes?)" , "Celestial bodies of hot gases" , "plays a leading role" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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