This sucks. Another season of watching Manchester United lifting the trophy, the trophy which should have been ours. Seriously...
We were smooth sailing at one point, from which I thought I felt we had the magic of the "Untouchables" again...but alas, it was just an itch.
Arsenal started the season with everyone saying we had a low chance of winning the title. They, whoever they are must be grinning and (while pointing)...telling everyone.."hahaha...told ya so". We did prove them wrong early in the season, going unbeaten and giving hope to Arsenal fans all over the world. Add to that, we had a team with virtually no big names, only upcoming stars. But yeah, we were flying early in the season, and I was smiling. But somehow, somewhere it all went wrong.....
It started with the game with Birmingham, when Eduardo lost a leg, and we lost 2 points. I'm still wondering is it really the psychological impact of a team mate in pain like that that made the team draw the next 5 games, and consequently lost to Chelsea, and Man United? Scientifically...it is possible, but I would think they have club psychologists to deal with players emotions.
I blame myself for jinxing the team. I think any true fan that is fairly superstitious would blame themselves for their team not performing for some reason. They were doing fine when I was still in NZ, then started to show cracks when I went back to Malaysia, and suffered more when I went back to NZ. I think the travelling made the luck fade away. Also, I think Arsenal were mad at me because i didn't watch their matches live for a certain period, so they got my attention by playing badly....haha...anything to not admit the truth which is..
"WE LOST THE DAMNED PLOT!!!"
We were leading the table, then they drew with teams which we should have won. Had we won those games, we would have been way ahead, and wouldn't mind (mathematically) being beaten by Man United or Chelsea. But we did draw those games, and we did lose to Chelsea and Man United.I was heartbroken until now from what happened this season. It was ours, seriously. I told everyone, when it was still mathematically possible for Arsenal to win, that if they did win, it wouldn't have been as sweet, because I was heartbroken.Well, that was the season for Arsenal. Ended it with a disappointing 3rd place.What did we do right this season? We made a statement. Youth can prosper, with guidance and hard work. Our team was young, arguably unknown, and we still played the beautiful game beautifully. Our game play, being the envy of the footballing world. Sometimes I wonder how Monsieur Wenger gets it right, and how wrong he is at the same time. He preaches that we don't need to win trophies, and it only matters how we play the game. I agree to a certain extent. To do anything just for the sake of it, is always a beautiful thing, but this is also a business, a business of winning.
Alright, enough with the views for last season. Its time to award the players.
For the most improved player (drum roll)....
Flamini was immense in my opinion this season. He dominated the midfield with his intensity, grit and determination. He proved that Arsenal picked the best players and does not choose who is more popular when he kept Gilberto Silva out of the team for the virtually the whole season. It is sad to see that he opted for signing with AC Milan, instead of signing on with Arsenal. I think he will do well for them, seeing that he would be one to revitalise the ageing side. Wish him all the best and hope the future get to prove him wrong by beating Milan again in the future.
For worst new signing
Mr. Eduardo Da Silva
In all fairness, he really didn't do that bad. Its just that Arsenal only made 2 significant new signings last season, and Sagna was the best signing, so he automatically is the worst. He came with a big reputation, and did show signs of that exponentially, but that terrible tackle that left him with a broken leg stumped his progress. Hope he recovers soon, and prove his worth next season.
For Best New Signing
Mr. Bacary Sagna
He fit into the team immediately. He gave Wenger a headache firstly with his choice of hairstyle, secondly with his solid performances playing right back, and forced Wenger to push Eboue up to right wing. Strong tackler, quick and good in the air, he will undoubtedly get even better next season, and will fight to keep his place at right back.
For Worst player of the season
I have looked through the list of Arsenal players, and I cannot really pick a worst player. Its probably a close tie between Phillipe Senderos, and William Gallas. But then again, Phillipe didn't really feature in the first team that much, but did make mistakes especially against big teams. He should be able to withstand pressure by now. William Gallas is not the rock that made him one of my wishlists players when he was at Chelsea. Our captain last season, he has shown flashes of brilliance and leadership, but still he could be more consistent. But again, other players has had bad patches throughout the season, and contributed to the disappointing 3rd place finish.
For Player of the Season
None other than Cesc Fabregas. He was immense in the early stages, playing out of his mould of just the passer, and started scoring for fun. He was vital for the team in every match, controlling the tempo in midfield, stringing passes and making those beautiful through passes for the strikers to collect. I might be a bit biased, and Adebayor deserves a shout for best player, but really, it was Fabregas that provided the goals for Adebayor. So the award hands down goes to the spaniard, Cesc Fabregas.
Best Starting Eleven
In goal, it has to be Manuel Almunia. Even though he's not the best in the world, I would rather have him between the posts rather than Jens.
Bacary Sagna on the right, the excellent Gael Clichy on left back. The ever spirited Kolo Toure with the captain William Gallas in the backs.
On the left, Aleksander Hleb, who again dazzled us with his close control last season. On the right, I'm putting Theo Walcott, just for that amazing run against Liverpool in the champions league. In the center, of course, the excellent pairing of Mathieu Flamini and the ever excellent Cesc Fabregas.
Up front, Emmanuel Adebayor who proved his worth despite losing his best friend Henry to Barcelona. He scored more than any of us expected. His strike partner, I would pick Nicklas Bendnter, for firstly being the only one who was fit enough to play that many times with Adebayor, and for scoring important goals from the bench. It would have been Van Persie, but he was out for most of the season to be in the best eleven.
Transfers
Flamini has already left for Milan, which is a loss. The rumours last season were about Gilberto Silva leaving because of Flamini, but it is still unclear now since Flamini left, would Gilberto leave anyway just because he was shut out last season. Adebayor has stated he's staying put. Fabregas have committed to the team,which is a signing by itself.
Wenger has stated on the official website that new signings are coming soon, and he's buying at least one who has already played in the premiership. I can think of no one I want other than Dimitar Berbatov if is meant to be, but its more likely that Manchester United will get him if he decides to leave. Rumours also are circulating of Samir Nasri from Marseilles which is an exciting prospect and also Niko Krancjar from Pompey saying he wants to move to a big club. The mexican wonderkid Carlos Vela who Arsenal have been loaning out to spanish clubs is also said to be in his plans for next season. Only having seen him in action in my Football Manager games, he looks good. I trust in Arsene on his judgement, so having Vela is an exciting prospect.
Next season predictions
2 Words. The Premiership. Above all else, I want Arsenal to focus on the premiership and win it with the style and grace that I know they possess. We already set the pace for last season, but ran out of steam towards the end, so another thing needing improvement would be consistency. Other cup competitions are an added bonus. I expect them to win the premiership next season, and would be extremely delighted if they won other cups.
From me the Gunner, the Gooner, the simple fan of the beautiful game, I will catch you guys later when the season starts again, and friends become foes for those 90 minutes of football.
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