Written by Squid Boy
on
Friday, 27 May 2011 13:21
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Squid Boy -
For me, there is only one winner: Robin van Persie. For years now we’ve wondered what he’d be like for us across an entire season if he was fully-fit. Well we got a glimpse this season as goalscoring records tumbled before him the second-half of the campaign. But he is more than just goals - he is assists, he is movement that brings the likes of Theo into the game. He is fiery, he cares, he is a leader. He is Arsenal.
Wenger Boy -
Who wants a chocolate leg now? I guarantee you if we’d won the Carling Cup the Arsenal store would have been stocked to the brim with them come Easter. Yes, there is only one man for this award. The one... the only... Mr ‘What If?’ himself... Robin van Persie. Scoring a mathematically impossible 468.6 goals in just under four minutes of football this season he truly stood out as a ray of light in one of the darkest run ins since last year. His heart pumps pure Arsenal, so much so that it is said if you cut him he bleeds...er...cannons. If Fabregas goes he is surely the next captain of Arsenal and he’s arguably our most valuable player already. Let’s just cross our fingers that we can keep him......alive.
Iron Man -
Robin van Persie all the way. His pant-wetting second half of the season performances and run of good form have largely gone unnoticed thanks to the fact the rest of the team have coincidentally been playing like a bunch of incontinent pensioners. You wonder how bad things would have turned out had he not been so good since January but yet you also wonder how much better it all might have turned out had his plastacine muscles and elastic band tendons not given him jip for the first half of the campaign.
Mean Lean -
Strange one this because so many players have had patches of excellence and then patches of erm not so excellence and I think that kind of explains our season really, but getting back to the point in hand, I will choose Jack 'the boy' Wilshere, mainly because he has probably been the most consistent during the whole season. Robin would have won it hands down but his absence at the start of the season is the reason why I exclude him this time. Once he reads this then it will convince him to stay fit all season. As for Jack, I Love his mixture of guile, craft and tenacity, if more of our squad had his desire then I believe we would have won trophies this season.
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Squid Boy -
Again, only one winner for me: Jack Wilshere (with honourable mentions to Messrs Szczesny and Djourou). We’d all heard the whispers that Jackie boy was something special. We’d seen sporadic glimpses at various Emirates Cup tournaments. But this season he blossomed. In the team early in the season largely due to injuries to others, he grasped his chance and became undroppable. His level may have dropped ever-so-slightly towards the end of the season, but that is completely expected of one so young. And thankfully, he’s going to get the summer off and hopefully come back even better next year, He is fiery, he cares, he’s a future leader. He is Arsenal.
Wenger Boy -
Much like the above there is only really one winner here and if you don’t know who he is then u mst b forin or su’in. Jackie Boy is the goldenest golden player of a future golden generation with a golden touch and a golden smile. His legs are made of gold, he’s as good as gold and you can currently trade him on the stock market for about 2000 barrels of crude. He’s only 14 years old, he looks about 8 and he’s destined to be Arsenal’s midfield general for years to come. Oh yeah, and he also passed the f*ck out of Barcelona. Brings a tear to almost every orifice on my body.
Iron Man –
Szczesny for me. For years upon years we’ve been crying out for a competent goalkeeper. We don’t ask for much, just someeone who doesn’t apply Vaseline to his palms pre-match, actually keeps his eyes on the ball when it’s in the air and doesn’t behave like a hyperactive child by inexplicably running around in circles in his box when the opposition attack. Shezza establishing himself has quietened the voices asking the boss the strengthen between the sticks. After Wenger’s attempts to sign both Reina and Schwarzer last summer it turns out we have someone on our books who has done very little to suggest he won’t actually end up being better than both of them.
Mean Lean -
Jack would be the obvious choice but it wouldn't be fair to give him two awards in a row. Szczesny and Chamakh also deserve a mention but I am handing this award to Laurent 'The Cobra' Koscielny. Not everyone's cuppa tea but personally I would add two sugars with a drop of milk and drink him up all day. I love the guy and my love affair started after the Emirates cup. In his first season in English football playing at this level for the first time I think he has done a remarkable job overall. He has made errors at times but he wears his heart on his sleeve and loves a tackle. I really believe he will be a massive player for us for years to come.
DISAPPOINTING PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Squid Boy -
Last year I gave this to Arshavin, and although he again failed to live up to his first season pyrotechnics, his end-product remained high this campaign. And he even threw in some performance of high work-rate, throwing himself into challenges and tracking back! So this year I’m torn between Carlos Vela and Kieran Gibbs. The former started fairly brightly for us, coming off the bench and grabbing a few goals in his shiny new no.11 jersey. But then it just didn’t happen for him, he got shipped off on loan to West Brom and barely got a start. Another loan next season? Or will he be on his bike? The latter, admittedly, only made the odd appearance but did not show any signs of progression to challenge Gael Clichy for a regular first-team spot. Perhaps a loan beckons next season?
Wenger Boy -
Tough one this. A lot of players were just disappointing generally while others gave us flashes of brilliance designed only to give us further, more thoroughly overwhelming disappointment later. After some careful thought however I have decided that the most disappointing player for me all season was our captain Cesc Fabregas. I love him so much but his lack of contribution this year has been a significant factor in our downfall. While his football has clearly been mixed it is his attitude which has disappointed me most - his limp and selfish performance at the Nou Camp and his absence the last day of the season are not things I would have expected from someone who so obviously loves this club. He’s still a hero though.
Iron Man –
Tomas Rosicky. He is actually no longer fit for purpose. This is the first season he has been injury free for some time and has hardly shown us what we have supposed to have been missing. Actually started the season ok-ish and was given opportunities thanks to the injuries of others. However, a frightening lack of input saw him demoting to what is essentially a second string 11 and even against the likes of Huddersfield and Leeds in the cups he has failed to make any significant impact. In fact, his ONLY goal of season coming against Leyton Orient should tell you everything you need to know. Things reached the ultimate low at St. James’ Park where he had as much of a say on that dreaded result as anyone playing in black and white that day. His non-existent performance in the Carling Cup Final will only be forgotten thanks to what happened at the end of the match. If he constantly fails to take chances when presented to him, then I can’t really see what the future holds.
Mean Lean -
I also handed this gong to Arshavin last season and to be honest he should reclaim his title in my opinion but based on what was provided last season I am going to reluctantly choose Cesc Fabregas, only because he was so vital to us last season. Much of this hasn't actually been his fault as his hamstrings have held him back massively for much of the season but he just hasn't been able to stay fit and score the goals and drive the team on at important moments when we needed someone to step up and drive the likes of Arshavin forward. I hope we have the fella for at least another season because it would be sad for Cesc to go out at half of what he should be.
GOAL OF THE YEAR
Squid Boy -
In a year bereft of long-range screamers, it’s either a piece of individual brilliance or a sweeping team move that can win. If you’re looking for individual brilliance then look no further than Samir Nasri’s brace versus Fulham at home. But I like my goals full of teamwork. One that sticks in my mind is Theo Walcott’s first versus Blackpool at home way back in August. It’s such an unsung goal that it doesn’t even feature on Arse.com’s top fifteen of the season! So in case you’ve forgotten it, I’ve dug up a video: http://www.soccerclips.net/videos/arsenal-v-blackpool-motd-highlights-2010-2011 (2mins 11secs in). Hoping to see more of this next season, I miss the days where we could blitz through the opposition at will.
Wenger Boy -
Only one in it for me. The move from Koscielny’s interception through to Arshavin’s goal against Barcelona, combined with the roar of the crowd and the commentary (besides one obvious line), is in my opinion better than sex. If I was to have sex while watching this goal then my balls would turn into gleaming sapphires and I would probably give birth to Jesus. Absolute, indescribable magic.
Iron Man –
Robin van Persie’s at Wembley would have been my choice but as good as it was, it’s just going to be permanently tinged with far too many bad memories. Instead, it has to be Samir Nasri’s second weaving, winding, wonder strike vs Fulham. Even watching it now, you can’t help but ‘ooo’ and ‘ahhh’ as Fulham defenders to a man drop to their arse. One can almost replicate the sharp intake of breath as it looks like Nas taken it too far wide only to pirouette like a modern day Baryshnikov to find the net and causing the whole of Highbury 2 to spaz out in a state of delirium.
Mean Lean -
I love Vela's goal against Bolton at the Emirates after a ridiculous amount of passes but I will go for Nasri's goal against Fulham. No, not that one the other one. I don't know why I like it so much but I do and I remember thinking that at the time. Arshavin driving towards the box then poking it through to Nasri. I Love the way he left two defenders on the floor and then smashed the ball high into the net on his left foot. It brings me back to when Samir Nasri was almost untouchable. People were even suggesting that he was better than Bale back then. Yeah, I know. That good!
ASSIST OF THE YEAR
Squid Boy -
Jack for Chamakh, Braga at home. After laying the ball off to Arshavin who lofted it forward for Chamakh, our little maestro continued his run to the edge of the box. He then received the ball back from the Morrocan, adjusted his feet and the played the cheekiest of backheels through the defender’s legs for Chamakh to finish.
Wenger Boy -
Again I think this has to go to Arshavin’s goal against Barca. Nasri’s pass across the Barcelona area, between about six players, under the most severe pressure since Joe Pesci opened his ‘World of Vice Clamps’ superstore and secret mafia base, was simple yet incredible. I’ve probably spent more time watching that pass than any other pass in Arsenal’s history.
Iron Man –
Cesc for Theo at the Shithole. The best thing about our Catalan Captain Marvel is his ability to make the difficult appear oh so easy. In the centre circle, back to goal with no imminent threat of an attack, Fabregas turns on the proverbial sixpence and manages to shift the ball away from the onrushing Gallas before fully exploiting their high line with a perfectly weighted pinpoint pass for Walcott to stick in the onion bag. Aside from the fact it was against that lot, this one moment just highlights his immense quality which will be clearly be missed if he does indeed set sail for the Camp Nou this summer.
Mean Lean -
It has to be the usual suspect for me. Even though he was not at his best for long enough this season, Cesc Fabregas still provided some cutting passes and none more cutting than his lofted chipped pass through to the sprinting Nasri against the Spuds at the Emirates. It was the goal that opened the scoring. I can't actually remember the final score of that game but surely leading the game at home must have meant that we won. *ahem*
MATCH OF THE YEAR
Squid Boy -
The 3-1 win versus Chelsea at home in late December. We hadn’t beaten either Chelsea or Man Utd in the league for over three years up until that night, but we completely battered the Blues into submission. High pressing, effervescent, intelligent. The birth of Theo van Nasregas and a portent of the best few months of our season.
Wenger Boy -
You’re probably thinking I’m going to say Arsenal vs Barcelona. Well you’re right. I could spend another paragraph raving about it. But I won’t. So instead I’ll tell you the colour of my favourite shirt. It’s blue.
Iron Man –
3-1 v Chelsea at Highbury 2 - Like Squid Boy says, it ended a long, painful winless run against the big two. A dominant performance which demonstrated what this team is (sometimes) capable of when things go right. The scoreline actually flattered them in the end as it could have easily been more. The best part is they were at full strength. Gloating at our West London friends has been sparse for some years now and by God did it feel good…
Mean Lean -
FC Barcelona at the Emirates. The build up, the quality of football, the nerves, going behind then hearing the Emirates crowd roar and then a simply outstanding finish to the game. If I could choose to be stuck in a groundhog day evening then that night at the Emirates would have to be the one.
BEST MOMENT
Squid Boy -
While I could have easily included this in the previous category, as an all-round performance I think the Chelsea one was better. But beating Barcelona on our own home turf was more than just 90 minutes of football, it was a moment that resounded around Europe and will forever echo in our hearts. Having somehow only gone in 1-0 down at the break, we stiffened our sinews and kept it tight at the back, waiting for that moment where we could spark into life. And how. Two goals in five minutes turned the game on its head and we even managed to see the match out. Best night ever at The Emirates? I think so. High point of our season? Undoubtedly.
Wenger Boy -
These questions all seem to be designed to lead me back to the same point in the same match. At the risk of getting boring I’m going to say...Van Persie’s goal against Barcelona. For a good ten seconds I didn’t even think it was in. Well guess what? It was in. POW!
Iron Man –
Beating Barca. Our so-called superior selves in terms of their jaw-dropping style of football… yet we beat them! Arguably one of the best club sides of all time… yet we beat them! It’s not even like you can say they were having an off day because for long periods they were quite magnificent…. Yet we beat them! Yes, we lost back at their place but if you cannot put this result in isolation for what it was – Arsenal BEATING Barcelona – then football as a sport if wasted on you.
Mean Lean -
AAARRRSSSHHAAVVVINNNN!!! Continuing one from the last section. I remember saying to my fellow Gooners who watched the game with me that whatever happens in the second leg or indeed the rest of the season, nothing will take that feeling away from me.
I was on my knee's right in front of the screen when we broke away and ended up screaming Arshavin's name whilst pumping both fists back and forth. *sigh* Good times.
WORST MOMENT
Squid Boy -
Where to start? It’s been a season littered with horrible, gut-wrenching moments for us fans. From suffering the ignominy of losing 3-2 to that lot down the road on own patch having been coasting at 2-0, to somehow contriving to throw away a four-goal lead away at Newcastle when we were in cruise control, to the utter disgust I felt when we couldn’t hold out for a win having broken the deadlock in the 97th minute against Liverpool. But one moment stands above them all for me - the Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham. I close my eyes and all I can see is a mass of blue’n’white flags at the opposite end of Wembley Stadium. And it’s even worse when you look back at it in hindsight. That day was meant to the start of something special for this team - not just for this season but for years to come. Instead, it was the beginning of our downfall this campaign. We never recovered and from looking to win four trophies we ultimately ended up in fourth sport.
Wenger Boy -
The Carling Cup final loss is by far the worst moment of this season, or indeed any season I’ve seen. So close, then so far, then nowhere to be seen. That’s all I have to say on the matter.
Iron Man –
The surrender at Newcastle. 4-0 up with 20-odd minutes on the clock but somehow manage to draw? What do you even say to that? If I threw away a four goal lead on Pro Evo I’d be devastated. You wouldn’t see a team battling relegation in an amateur league with only 9 players and having been out on the lash the night before fail to win when 4 goals to the good. Yet a team supposedly in contention for the Premier League title managed to become the first team since the league’s inception to do so. Against bloody Newcastle!! This result cut deep because it summed up every criticism of the team (no mental strength, can’t defend, can’t close out a game etc) and there was no response. It actually felt embarrassing to be an Arsenal fan that day. The last time I felt so low was after getting humped 6-1 at Old Trafford 10 years ago and even then, I’d still argue that this felt worse.
Mean Lean -
Can I skip this section? No?
Aww man. There are a few for different reasons. I would say the Carling cup but at the time I thought to myself that, it was not the ultimate goal at the start of the season and the boys would use it to spur them on in the title race. Nope, that did not happen.
I am going to select the game where I thought the title race ended, at least for me. Blackburn Rovers at home. Possession, no penetration and not enough fight to steel the points when it mattered. That for me was pretty much the end of the season, I just couldn't see us coming back from that.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON...
Squid Boy -
Last season I said no injuries. I blamed them for our end-of-season collapse. This time round, I don’t have that excuse (as much). So I’m going to go for a few things: firstly, I’d love to see us give 100% in EVERY game in terms of pressing and tempo. Second, this fabled “mental strength” of ours to actually manifest, especially when we are defending a lead. Third of all, adaptability in terms of formation and tactics to adjust accordingly for our opponents (i.e. 4-4-2 at home versus the so-called “minnows”). And finally, a bit of harmony breaking out, at both boardroom level and in the stands. With Stan wrapping up a deal to buy the Club, the former should be on the cards. The latter will be much more difficult to achieve, especially with the disgruntlement over increased ticket prices. A productive transfer window and a positive start to next season should help achieve this. Oh, and minimal injuries too please!
Wenger Boy -
Everything. I’m looking forward to seeing the new and rejuvenated Arsenal complete with extra-quality alien-breed signings who know the secret of scoring goals and are happy to share it with the rest of the squad. I’m looking forward to starting the season at a blistering pace and then standing with my hands on my hips on the final day of the season trying to catch my breath. I’m looking forward to Wilshere part two, Ramsey part one (proper), Coquelin, Lansbury and all sorts of other loanee-to-first team squad potentials. But most of all I’m looking forward to Wenger saying ‘right, enough is enough, I may as well do this now’ and putting out a team that maximises the talent already at the club to just go out and legitimately beat the crap out of any and all available and willing teams on the planet. If Wenger just says “F*ck it. Let’s win something.” then I will be a very happy man.
Iron Man –
Not much. Just improvement. If this team can beat Manchester United, City, Chelsea and Barcelona then they shouldn’t be losing to Newcastle, West Brom and Birmingham. They simply must do better because if they get any worse then they can kiss goodbye to a top four spot let alone a chance at any meaningful silverwear. Even then, it’s not even about the trophies, if we can look back this time in 12 months and see that we’ve learned from the mistakes of this year – both the players and the manager – then I’ll be happy. I don’t want to see a team surrender games from commanding positions, I don’t want to see players’ heads dropping as soon as something goes wrong, I don’t want to hear about lacking maturity and for the love of God, I don’t want to see them throwing away a two-goal lead against THAT lot yet again. How many times in the last three years?
Mean Lean -
I find myself nodding away to what Squid Boy said. Let us keep our players fit as we did this season but the level's of determination and commitment need to remain at its highest for pretty much the entire season. I am also looking forward to seeing what shiny new signings we get into the club along with Cesc and Nasri. One can only hope for the latter.
Whatever happens to us, I always look forward to the next season because I love the Arsenal and as much as I wanted the season to end, I already find myself wanting it to come back.
Your Turn
We would love to hear your own views on the sections above in the comments section. I have even made it easy for you, so just copy and paste the below and fill in the gaps you lazy so and so's.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DISAPPOINTING PLAYER OF THE YEAR
GOAL OF THE YEAR
ASSIST OF THE YEAR
MATCH OF THE YEAR
BEST MOMENT
WORST MOMENT
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON...
Thank you all for reading.
The Arsenal Vision Team.
Arsenal News 24/7
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