Arsenal Sneak In; Tottenham Heartbreak Again!

There has been little real pleasure in being an Arsenal fan since the 2006 Champions League final turned in Barcelona’s favor. And yet I still root for them to win and take pleasure in the little victories along the way (like the 2-1 home win over Barcelona two years ago). One perverse form of this satisfaction comes in pipping Tottenham to the Champions League and finishing above them (something Wenger has done in every season he has been with the Gunners). Tottenham are like the perennial wallflowers looking on at the big dance and ready to finally show their moves, only to lose their nerve three quarters of the way through the song. And so, after a seven point lead and much taunting of Arsenal and Arsenal fans, the Spurs again find themselves on the outside looking in.

Heading into this final weekend of the EPL season, it was all on the line for UCL qualification. Manchester United and Man City were already guaranteed automatic spots and a Chelsea win would give them third place without the playoff that has been a hot topic of discussion the past week or so. And Arsenal and Tottenham were vying for the final spot, with anything but a Gunners win opening the door for the Spurs. Both games started slowly and though the Gunners pushed forward, and Spurs appeared to miss out on a clear penalty shout (with Bale booked for diving to add salt to the wound), both North London squads left the field at halftime in scoreless draws. Advantage Arsenal.

The second half started with more resolve and after a few missed half chances, Theo Walcott sent in a free kick from the right, it careened forward off Mertesacker and Koscielny beat the goalie from point blank range with a lovely high finish. 1-0 Arsenal in the 52^nd minute. Tottenham fans appeared to hear the news a few minutes later and knew they were probably in deep trouble yet again. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s opener had been equalized by Everton and the Gunners found themselves one goal from taking third spot if the results stayed the same. Yet the Gunners wanted the win more than anything else and began to sit back and play on the counter, which could have easily yielded a game-ending goal but for some poor passing in the buildup. Newcastle began to push forward with more resolve, but never seemed to have their hearts in it and Arsenal was holding on. The pressure did increase in the 85^th minute though when Bale again played hero for the ugly ducklings who just never sprout into swans, scoring a masterful goal from 35 yards out to give Spurs a 1-0 lead. I could barely sit through the rest of the game, as Newcastle created a few half chances and the Gunners failed to score a second. In the 91^st minute it looked secure, as Walcott was sent on by Ramsey and circled the keeper, only to hit the post with his shot. Three minutes later it was over and while Spurs fans commiserated another near miss, the Gunners acted as if they had won the league.

And it sort of felt as if they had. It has been a rough season that started with two draws against Stoke and Sunderland when our new striker failed to finish clear chances, then a win against Liverpool, a draw against the defending champ Citizens that we should have won and then an up and down finish to the year. But losses at Bradford City in the Carling/Capital One Cup and Blackburn in the FA, together with the 3-1 loss at home to Bayern in the first leg of the UCL, and an earlier loss to Greece that could have secured us the top spot in our group, all made this another season without a trophy. Worse, we lost to Tottenham at White Hart Lane and found ourselves 7 points behind in the race for fourth. But then the team woke up, played a masterful game at Bayern to win 2-0 (and almost score the third that would have sent us through) and then finished the season winning 8 of 10. In fact, since February 2, we secured the most points of any team in the league (five more than both Spurs and Man U). It was an impressive run-in and provides hope that we finally have some winners on the squad.

It will be important to build on this momentum going into next season, with more offensive potency, a defensive mid who can play in some of our toughest games if not week in and week out and some defensive reinforcements at GK, right back (assuming Sagna leaves) and centre-back (particularly if Squillaci and Verm exit). A few days ago, I looked at the team from back to front and what we needed in the transfer window. Today, I’ll provide final grades for all our players this season …

Final Grades on Season

Szczesny (B+): Szczesny started the season on the bench with an injury, but was soon back in the starting lineup. While he had a number of fine saves, he also gave up goals with clear errors and his distribution was terrible at times. But since returning from being benched for Poland teammate Fabianski (grade at a C+, given all his injuries, though he was decent in his four starts conceding 3 goals), he has played a key role in 8 clean sheets since February 2. For an Arsenal team known as defensively weak for years, we conceded the second fewest goals this year (though the most on errors (7, I think), the last time I heard). Sz needs real competition next year, but could still become a top keeper in the league if he gains more discipline.

Sagna (C+): Two broken legs in less than a year have cost our solid right back the form that put him among the best in the world. Since the second leg break, he seems too tentative on the ball, loses it in dangerous positions, sometimes makes reckless tackles and has a successful cross ratio of less than 1 in 4. He has cost us points in a few games, though his quality has improved a little in recent weeks. I still think we should sell him now while we can possibly still get some value.

Jenkinson (B+): the young right back was thrust into a starting role when Sagna broke his leg again. He was above average and seemed to have a flair going forward that Sagna lacks. He also was willing to sacrifice his body defensively, and sometimes could be found running across the pitch to provide a key tackle or steal. His upside is huge and I see him as a possible starter next year.

Per Mertesacker (A-): last year, his first in the EPL, the German seemed like the problem more than a possible solution to our defensive woes. This year he has been our most consistent defender, having to pair up intermittently with both Vermaelen and Koscielny. Though he still lacks the pace of some of his contemporaries, his positioning is often ideal, his pass rate is the second highest on the team (beside Arteta) and his height causes problems for opponents on corners and free kicks. He has turned into a great signing and hopefully has a bright future with the club.

Koscielny (A): Kos suffered through some injuries earlier in the year and then had some terrible games upon returning – most obviously against Chelsea when his defending contributed to both goals in a 2-1 loss. But since getting back to full fitness, he has shown himself as one of the top centre-halfs in the league. His mixture of speed, timely tackling and decent positioning has added up to a much stronger back line. Supplanting the team captain in the starting lineup really speaks for itself.

Vermaelen (C+): it’s hard to understand what happened to the newly anointed team captain this season, with the explanation that the leadership role hurt him seeming a little farfetched to explain the incredible dip in form. It is quite plausible to assume he will leave this summer, assuming a decent bid is received. Maybe ceding the captaincy will turn him around, but he always suffered from perilous forays forward and some risky tackles in the box.

Gibbs (B): Gibbs continued with his injury problems this season but clearly grew into the role of left back, replacing Clichy. His defensive positioning and tackles have improved and he is always a threat going forward, particularly when he cuts into the box. He still needs to work on his crossing (a problem for most of the team) and maintaining defensive discipline against top wingers and full backs, but is clearly on the up – as long as he can limit his injuries in the future.

Monreal (B-): another astute signing by Wenger gives us ample cover at left back. He is a quality player going forward, but sometimes makes poor decisions in the back and his positioning is occasionally suspect. He links up well with compatriot Cazorla though and looks like a quality signing for the future.

Arteta (A-): this rating might be a little high, given his new role lying deeper in the midfield, but Arteta has the best completion rate on the team and has improved his defensive play. He is the metronome upon which the Gunners push forward and has the potential to score goals when playing in a more forward position. Another defensive mid that he can exchange with would allow him to push forward more often, which would benefit the team and beside the missed penalty at the death against Fulham, that cost us two points, he is still our go to guy from the spot. He is aging though and will need to be replaced within the next few years, one imagines.

Cazorla (A): arguably the best player for the Gunners this season, this was Wenger’s best signing in years. He can play either as a CAM or on the left wing and his ability to play off both feet, send in pinpoint passes, create chances and score goals made him one of the best in the EPL this year. Overall, he had 12 goals and 13 assists and is a major reason we are in the UCL next season.

Wilshere (B+): coming back from injury, Wilshere appeared to be the Gunners savior with his lovely runs forward and great eye for the final pass. But his sometimes reckless tackling, desire to beat two and three defenders and lack of a real goal scoring threat makes him slightly overrated by the British press at present. His absence from the team in the late going appeared to improve the overall flow through the middle and he will have to work on not trying to do too much as he comes back into the first team to start next season.

Ramsey (B+): I was among those saying Wenger’s stubbornness was hurting us as he continued to play the Welshman even as his productivity went down and he gave the ball away far too often. Then he appeared to wake up from his slumber and became one of our most solid contributors, completing the most passes in five straight games (where Arteta has dominated this category since his arrival). He had a little letup in the past two games, but that included a great goal against Wigan that sealed the victory last Tuesday. He has great vision, flexibility and a real drive to succeed on both ends of the pitch that should be an inspiration to other Gunners who sometimes disappear (like Walcott and Podolski, in particular). Getting more shots on target and improving his crossing would be the two main areas to work on for next season.

Ox (C+): with the signing of Cazorla, return of Wilshere and play of Ramsey, Ox found it hard to get time on the pitch and his dip in form from last season did little to recommend him on the wing either. Later in the season, he showed some of those dazzling moves and crosses that made him a future star in many people’s eyes, but needs to find more game time and better play in the final third if he is not to be another flop. One possibility for next season is to give him some games on the wing if Walcott plays through the center, but that probably depends on what striker(s) we sign.

Podolski (A-): some will disagree with this rating, but I’m still baffled by rumours of an exit for the German after one season in the EPL. He had 16 goals and 11 assists in 33 starts and 9 sub appearances in all competitions and that is an impressive return. He is a great finisher, really improves our dynamic forward play from the left wing and could be even better next year. Yes he is a defensive liability at times and does do odd disappearing acts at times, but seems to love playing for the Gunners and has been indispensable this year.

Giroud (B): I have been less impressed with the French striker than some. His upside is clear, but he lacks the ability to bring the ball down and distribute effectively, misses far too many chances to score and makes poor choices too often. He is helpful on defense though and had a decent return with 17 goals and 11 assists in his first season. He is a raw talent though and finishing is his main job. He has cost us more points than any other player this year and I feel we need a flair player beside him or in his place if we are to take the next step. Could become a great, but a lot of work to do to get there.

Walcott (A-): after serving as a major distraction for more than half the season (while scoring more goals than ever before), Walcott finally signed a new contract and then didn’t score for over two months. He has, however, finished strongly with some key goals (even though two were offsides) and has improved dramatically this season. The numbers are impressive: 21 goals and 14 assists in 31 starts (and 12 sub appearances). Walcott has improved his first touch, his passing, his decision making and, most importantly, his finishing. He even played defense against Wigan, though he had an average game (besides sending in the cross that led to our goal) against Newcastle. It appears the young Englishman is finally coming into his own and should just accept that his role as a winger can still reap huge numbers; with limited chances through the middle.

Gervinho (C): Gervinho started the season on a high, finding the net against Chelsea playing through the middle. But he was merely providing Wenger with a false option that cost us key games – particularly against Bradford when he had the worst miss of the season. Upon returning to the starting lineup after a prolonged absence, Gervinho started to play with more discipline and punch – but still failed to provide the finishing touch or right decision too often. His numbers for the season (18 starts, 8 subs: 7 goals and 5 assists) are not terrible, but he is just too inconsistent to rely on. There are only so many goal scoring chances in a game, and he blows far too many of them (either as potential scorer or potential supplier). One hopes he is sold this summer and replaced with a better player. Even if he isn’t, we have Walcott, Podolski, Cazorla and Ox that can all play on the wings (I don’t think Ramsey should be used there ever again).

Others

Diaby (C): what can we say of the Frenchman who can’t … stay on the pitch for very long? He started the season in startling form, getting a callback to the French national team and looking like a star in the making, before suffering two injury setbacks in between a rather tempered return to the lineup. Unfortunately, his rare problem (one leg is longer than the other) appears to be career-threatening and we can no longer count on him for much of anything.

Coquelin (C-): while he was never terribly bad this year, his development took a step backwards and one assumes he will soon exit the team. Clearly a talented player, it is hard for us to find a space for him in the current crowded midfield competition and he doesn’t have the defensive skills to play where Wenger hoped.

Mannone (B-/C+): let’s be honest, Mannone had a decent start to the season with two clean sheets and looked okay through his first several games. But by the end of the season, his 13 starts included 16 conceded goals and his distribution was less than stellar at times. One assumes he will be let go this summer and that seems like a good idea (or he will remain as the number 3 based on another signing and letting Fab go).

And finally, what do we say about Wenger? I give him a B+ for salvaging a season that was starting to look like his last. He played a strong team against Bradford in the Capital One Cup but put Gervinho through the middle and played Ramsey when his form was awful, ultimately losing on penalties. He oversaw an awful game against Blackburn to see us exit the FA Cup, again making some poor choices to save some starters for Bayern, who we then lost to 3-1 at home. He failed to buy the DM and additional Striker we clearly need either before the season began or at the break and continued his pattern of forcing players out of position, to mixed results. But after the 2-1 loss to Tottenham, Wenger finally decided to challenge his regulars to show why they should start benching both Vermaelen and Sz. This seemed to turn the team around and sent them on a great finish to the season (really title challenging form). The problem this year has been scoring when it was needed late (until the final weeks) and playing well against the best teams. That is where this team needs to mature and improve next season and new signings would go a long way toward that goal. The reality is that the Gunners need to win silverware next season or one assumes Wenger will go, but a good foundation has been laid to finally convince those who have stayed that this is a team that can win now.

So that will end my Gunners coverage for the season. If and when they make signings this summer, I might include a short evaluation but I will ignore the rumours that swirl around. See you next season fellow Gooners!