Rating Arsenal’s Defenders’ Performances in the 2012/13 Season

A bedrock for next season?

Arsenal and defending – two words that don’t go in tandem with each other.

Arsene Wenger has built his football on free-flowing attacking football and times without number, his team has been caught out at the back and there are even times when the Gunners shoot themselves in the foot as they become plotters of their own downfall.

As expected, injuries, suspensions and decline of form took its toll on Arsenal’s defensive rearguard and Arsene Wenger managed to use almost all the defenders in the club’s payroll at some point in the season.

While the big guns featured regularly in the Premier League and the Champions League, the Capital One Cup served as a breeding ground for some young guns and fringe players, and the dead-rubber game against Olympiakos also saw deadwood like Sebastien Squillaci get a run-out as well.

While Per Mertesacker cemented his status as Arsene Wenger’s first choice defender, Thomas Vermaelen partnered the gentle giant by the mere fact that he was the skipper, because his form painted a different picture. When the manager realized how appalling his skipper had become, he made the bold move to axe the Belgian in place of a resurgent Laurent Koscielny.

While Wenger shuffled between his defensive trio of Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Koscielny, there was no room for Johan Djourou that was shipped out to Hannover 96 and the defender has reiterated his desire to remain in Germany. As for Sebastien Squillaci and Ignasi Miquel, they are living on borrowed time.

In the fullback positions, Bacary Sagna’s second leg fracture last season paved the way for Carl Jenkinson to get some first-team action under his belt. On Sagna’s return, he was drafted into the team and failed to replicate that the form of the yesteryear. On the left, Kieran Gibbs was an automatic starter but his fitness was a thorn in his flesh allowing Andre Santos to put up his calamitous outings on a consistent basis.

With Andre Santos failing to impress and Gibbs suffering one of his trademark injuries, Wenger wasted no time in delving into the transfer window to acquire Nacho Monreal’s services.

This is the second installment of a four-post series focused on Arsenal’s performances in the 2012/13 season. I’ve already shared my views on the performances of the goalkeepers but today’s post is focused on Arsenal’s defensive rearguard.

Feel free to share your comments.

Thomas Vermaelen – 39 Apps, One Goal

With club captain, Robin van Persie, departing to join Manchester United, Arsene Wenger was forced with a decision to make regarding the man that was going to lead his team in the 2012/13 campaign. I was looking forward to a new era under the reins of a captain that signed a new deal without thinking twice, stating his love for Arsenal was his primary reason.

He has the aggression of Nemanja Vidic, leaped off the ground easily like a kangaroo, has a gung-ho attitude, good technique on the ball and offered a threat in the opposition’s goal.

The Verm was part of the Arsenal side that kept three clean sheets on the trot but an illness prevented him from playing in his team’s crucial visit to the Etihad Stadium, and his able replacement, Laurent Koscielny, scored the goal that earned Arsenal a share of the spoils. Koscielny and Per Mertesacker played very well that day but Wenger inexplicably chose to bench the “slow” German against Chelsea, as he was probably scared of the pace of the Blues’ attack.

Playing Vermaelen and Koscielny together was like a time-bomb and the captain was culpable for two schoolboy errors that led to both goals scored by Chelsea. They struggled again as a pair when Olympiakos visited the Emirates and despite the fact that the Verm was the weaker link of the two, Koscielny was sacrificed for Mertesacker when the Gunners visited Upton Park to play West Ham.

When Arsenal visited Old Trafford in a game marred by the escapades of Robin van Persie, it took only three minutes for the Red Devils to take the lead when Vermaelen handed RVP a nice assist on a platter. Fast forward to the Capital One Cup quarterfinal clash with Bradford City and despite scoring Arsenal’s late equalizer, Vermaelen missed the penalty that saw his team crash out of the competition.

More appalling performances particularly against Liverpool (home) and Manchester City (home) followed but the last straw was undoubtedly his atrocious outing against Tottenham (away). Wenger axed him from the squad from that moment on and he could only manage a game against Norwich (home) because Mertesacker was suspended.

I must truly say that the Verminator has been a big disappointment in his first season as captain of Arsenal Football Club.

Rating – 4/10

Per Mertesacker – 44 Apps, Three Goals

After playing 27 games in his first season with Arsenal, Per Mertesacker’s season reached an abrupt end when Arsenal visited Sunderland in that pitch good enough to raise cattle. He recovered in time for Euro 2012 but he failed to make any appearance with Holger Badstuber and Matts Hummels playing every game for Germany in the tournament.

Mertesacker began the campaign alongside Thomas Vermaelen and they worked in tandem to get three clean sheets on the bounce at the start of the season. If you thought Mertesacker’s performance against Liverpool (away) was superb, his outing against Manchester City (away) was one of his best in Arsenal colors, as he made so many Per-fect Merte-ceptions in the course of the game.

He proved his worth to the squad when he wasn’t on the pitch as Arsenal struggled in his absence with Vermaelen and Koscielny failing to click with each other. When they played with each other, they lacked the calmness, coordination, composure and positional discipline the BFG had.

He also added goals to his game with three headers against Tottenham (twice) as well as the match winner in the crucial game against Fulham (away). This season, Mertesacker became a mainstay in the team and he has excelled admirably in his defensive duties.

He’s known for being a very clean defender but he got his hands dirty with his first red card in Arsenal colors. However, that game will be forever remembered for the innovative tackle he attempted with his back. It was a truly remarkable season for the big friendly giant and I hope he builds on it.

Rating – 9/10

Laurent Koscielny – 34 Apps, Four Goals

Laurent Koscielny was Arsenal’s best defender by a far mile last season and he had grown from strength to strength since that his horrendous error in Wembley against Birmingham City. After signing a long-term deal with the club, he didn’t begin the campaign well as an injury hindered his progress.

He marked his return to first-team action with a late equalizer against Manchester City (away), forging a formidable partnership with Mertesacker. His inspired performance at the Etihad coupled with Vermaelen’s return to the team saw the manager sacrifice Mertesacker in the home clash against Chelsea. Despite the fact that Vermaelen was at fault for the set pieces that led to the goals, Koscielny also had a hand in both goals as he failed to mark Fernando Torres probably for the first and the ball deflected off his shin into the net for the second.

This led to the Frenchman spending a lot of time in the dugout but he featured and scored a vital goal in that pulsating encounter against Reading (away) in the Capital One Cup. When he was recalled back into the first team following Vermaelen’s dip in form, he grabbed the bull by the horns and took his chance against Bayern Munich (away) with an outstanding performance capped by a headed goal late on.

Since then, Koscielny became an ever-present figure and he contributed immensely to Arsenal’s cause with that assist for his defensive partner, Per Mertesacker, against Fulham as well as a plethora of vital interceptions in defense. To crown a great season for the Frenchman, he scored the goal that secured Champions League football for his team for the season in a row.

Rating – 8/10

The goal that guaranteed Champions League football

Bacary Sagna – 30 Apps, No Goal

In recent times, Bacary Sagna has been marred by long-term injuries that has taken its toll on his career. Suffering two fractures on the same leg must have been a horrific experience but as we all know, football isn’t really a forgiving sport.

With Carl Jenkinson deputizing admirably in Sagna’s absence, many wondered if the Bac Man would replicate the form that won him a place in the 2008 PFA Team of the Year. After a couple of Under-21 fixtures under his belt, Sagna made his long-awaited return against Queens Park Rangers (home), much to the delight of the Arsenal faithful.

Sagna’s continued run of games dented Jenkinson’s progress but unlike the young Englishman that swung crosses into the box with consummate ease, Sagna’s distribution was downright erratic with the ball ending up as a throw-in most times. Then came the torrid run of performances, as Sagna was consistently caught out against Chelsea (away), made Gabby Obertan look like Ronaldinho when Newcastle came to town and his poor clearance led to Gaston Ramirez’ goal when the Gunners visited St. Mary’s.

Amidst the horrible vein of form, Sagna got his moment of redemption when an injury to Koscielny forced Arsene Wenger to play him in an unorthodox center back role with Jenkinson drafted to the right. The fullback’s naivety played a role in him being sent off for two bookable offenses and with Aaron Ramsey becoming a make-shift right back, Sagna was a colossus in defense alongside Mertesacker.

As he continued to struggle with form, Sagna got on every Gooner’s bad books when he foolishly squandered possession to Robin van Persie before hacking him down in the box, forcing the ref to point to the spot. This has been a season Sagna couldn’t wait to come to an end.

Rating – 4/10

Carl Jenkinson – 21 Apps, No Goal

Despite the fact that Carl Jenkinson hasn’t had as much game time as he would have wanted, this has certainly been one hell of a campaign for this young lad.

While Sagna nursed his leg injury, Jenkinson deputized in his stead, putting up committed performances that endeared him to the Arsenal faithful. His work rate was exemplary and he covered every blade of grass like his life depended on it.

His fairy tale campaign reached its zenith when he was called up by Wily Ol’ Woy Hodgson for his maiden international appearance and he featured in the Zlatan Ibrahimovic-inspired performances in Sweden’s 4-2 win over England. I still can’t get over Ibrahimovic’s incredible 30-yard overhead bicycle kick goal, and it gets better with each passing replay.

Jenkinson also signed a long-term deal with the club but his performances against Swansea (home) and Sunderland (away) showed that even if youthful exuberance is the order of the day, there’s no substitute for experience.

What I can take from this season is that Arsene Wenger can rely on this young lad to put in a great shift when the need arises. With Jenko in our ranks, the future is very bright.

Rating – 7/10

Kieran Gibbs – 34 Apps, One Goal

For those that don’t know, this was the first season Kieran Gibbs had over 30 games for Arsenal in an entire campaign. He’s a player that has become synonymous with injuries and he showed that yet again this season, forcing his manager to delve into the transfer market when he nursed a thigh strain for six weeks.

Gibbs has been highly impressive this season and his output on the final third has drastically improved as well, with the Englishman having five assists to his name this season. For a considerable chunk of the campaign, Gibbs was a mainstay in the team but when he suffered a lengthy lay off, the manager signed an experienced Spanish left back, that has brought stiff competition between both players, which also brought about stellar performances from both players, for the good of the team.

Gibbs also scored a screamer against Swansea in the FA Cup and it looked like a goal worth winning a football match but Arsenal’s lax defending brought Swansea back into the contest. With Monreal bracing himself for his first full season in England, Gibbs will be in for a challenge and I’m sure he’s relishing it.

Rating – 7/10

Nacho Monreal – 11 Apps, One Goal

January 30, 2013.

Arsenal host Liverpool in a Premier League encounter of huge significance to both sides. The visitors open the scoring with a deflected shot from Luiz Suarez then Kieran Gibbs suffers an injury forcing the manager to make a tactical change. With the only defensive options on the bench being Laurent Koscielny and Andre Santos, many Gooners (me included) rightly believed that the Frenchman would be summoned, thereby making Vermaelen play the left back.

The fourth official raises his board up and Andre Santos comes into the pitch much to the fury of some fans that haven’t forgiving him for his antics in Old Trafford. Within moments of his introduction, Jordan Henderson skips past him with ease and instead of trying to win the ball back he doesn’t even make a decent challenge. With a stroke of luck, Liverpool is two up.

Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott save the day but Wenger has seen enough from the atrocious Brazilian and he delves into the transfer market to buy Nacho Monreal. Just two days after his arrival, he makes his debut in a baptism of fire against Stoke (home). He was part of that defense that held the fort against Sunderland (away) but he couldn’t play against Bayern (home) because he was cup-tied.

After making the match-winning assist against Aston Villa (home), he becomes part of that defense that struggled badly against Tottenham. Following Arsenal’s Champions League exit, Monreal scores the first goal against Swansea the first of many goals Arsenal scored in its surge for fourth place.

With Gibbs returning to fitness, he and Monreal battled for the right to become Arsenal’s No. 1 left back and this competition brought the best in both players. While Monreal offers a keen sense of security and stability at the back, I feel he should improve in his distribution on the final third. The battle with Gibbs continues next season.

Rating – 7/10

Andre Santos – 12 Apps, No Goal

To be honest, Andre Santos is one of the most lovable characters in Arsenal.

His lovely smile, his hilarious tweets and nice attitude off the pitch. I still have fresh memories of all three goals he scored last season – the match winner against Olympiakos (home), the vital equalizer in that RVP-inspired win over Chelsea (away) and the equalizer before half time against West Brom (away) on the final day.

This season, things have gone awry for the Brazilian and his performances on the pitch have been nothing short of appalling. His poor positional awareness and dismal defending has cost his team times without number with his performances in the games against Schalke (home), Manchester United (away), Liverpool (home) and Brighton (away) bringing him to the bad books of Arsenal fans.

His performance against Manchester United was so putrid yet he couldn’t even wait for the game to be over before requesting for RVP’s jersey, as that probably meant more to him than the game.

After another bad showing against Liverpool, the manager went to the transfer window when Gibbs suffered an injury, clearly indicating that he had no further plans in his team.

In his touching goodbye message to the club and the fans, Andre Santos thanked everyone for their support and hopes to come back soon. For the good of everyone concerned with Arsenal, I hope that Gremio signs him on a permanent basis.

Rating – 2/10

Sebastien Squillaci, Ignasi Miquel and Johan Djourou – Collective total of Six Apps

Ah! The deadwood.

Arsenal bought Sebastien Squillaci with the hope that would use his “experience” to guide the younger defenders in the team as well as putting up a good shift when the need arose. Squillaci was so poor that his only appearance this season coming up in a dead rubber fixture against Olympiakos. Thank Heavens his contract is expiring soon.

Rating – 0/10

Ignasi Miquel is a youngster tipped for great things but I still don’t know when he’s going to realize that potential. All he can boast of this season was a start against Coventry (home) in the Capital One Cup and a late substitute appearance against Sunderland (away) when the Gunners wanted to preserve their priceless 1-0 lead. Not good enough.

Rating – 2/10

Johan Djourou was Arsenal’s most consistent defender in the 2010/11 season. When he got injured in the tail end of that campaign, his team struggled which highlighted his importance to the side. Last season, he struggled in make-shift positions as a fullback and wasn’t even convincing enough when he played as a center back, earning an unwarranted red card against Fulham (away) that put his team under intense pressure.

This season, Djourou could only make two appearances in the Capital One Cup before he was shipped out to Germany. Shame.

Rating – 1/10

So there you have it, the second of four posts focused on different playing positions in the team. My take on the midfield comes up next.

The voting sequence for the 2012/13 End of Season awards is still ongoing, so feel free tomake your votes count in the polls.

Sayonara.

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Rating Arsenal’s Performances in the 2012/13 Season – The Goalkeepers

Save of the season?

This season, Arsenal conceded 37 goals in the Premier League, 10 goals in the Champions League, seven goals in the Capital One Cup and five goals in the FA Cup. Unlike last season where the Gunners opened the floodgates with consummate ease, a more cautious approach was taken after the defense struggled badly against Tottenham. In a run of ten games after that defeat against Tottenham, the Gunners conceded only five goals winning eight games and drawing two.

Over the course of the season, Arsene Wenger used his available playing personnel in the goalkeeping department.

Wojciech Szczesny has been synonymous with first-team football but an ankle injury in Autumn, coupled with Lukasz Fabianski out of action as well, paved the way for Vito Mannone to strut his stuff but the Italian didn’t convince Wenger enough to command a first-team berth. A dip in form from Szczesny in Spring saw a fit-again Fabianski take his spot but another injury allowed the younger Pole to reclaim his spot.

This article is focused on rating Arsenal’s performances in the 2012/13 season. This is the first installment of four posts and today’s post is entirely focused on Arsenal’s custodians between the sticks.

Feel free to share your comments.

Wojciech Szczesny – 33 Apps, 13 Clean Sheets

With Manuel Almunia leaving the club when his contract expired, Wojciech Szczesny took over the No. 1 jersey and great things were expected of the young Pole working his way up the food chain. He began the campaign with a clean sheet against Sunderland and an ankle injury halted his progress for a couple of weeks before he returned to the fold with a howler against Southampton.

Even after his errors coupled with fairly average performances from his deputy, Vito Mannone, Wenger returned Szczesny into the team and even used him in domestic cup fixtures, clearly showing that he had little or no faith in the deputy Italian. This brought an air of complacency into Szczesny’s game which saw his form wane, much to his team’s detriment.

He got a wake up call when Wenger dropped him to the bench against Bayern Munich (away) and the fact that his father blasted the boss for his poor form didn’t help his cause. A rib injury to Fabianski allowed the younger Pole to return to first-team action and this saw a change in his fortunes as Szczesny kept clean sheets against Everton (home), Fulham (away), Queens Park Rangers (away) and Newcastle (away).

While he may want to forget his antics against Southampton (home) and Aston Villa (home), he can look back with pride when he reflects on his performance against Sunderland (away) as well those vital saves he made against Queens Park Rangers (away) and Wigan (home).

Szczesny is not a finished article but there’s certainly some room for improvement.

Rating – 6/10

Lukasz Fabianski – Five Apps, Two Clean Sheets

Lukasz Fabianski has been a back up goalie for as long as he can remember.

Since his arrival in 2007 despite being the best goalie in the Polish Ekstraklasa for two consecutive seasons in his time with Legia Warsaw, Fabianski has played second fiddle to Manuel Almunia and currently, his compatriot, Wojciech Szczesny. Like Abou Diaby, injuries have become part and parcel of Fabianski’s career with the Gunners and the meager five appearances he managed in the entire campaign is a testament of that.

Notwithstanding, the Pole has been a breath of fresh air in his somewhat brief return to the squad. When I saw Fabianski step into the Allianz Arena with his teammates, I feared for the worst but the goalie was in imperious form, saving efforts from Toni Kroos and Arjen Robben despite being out of the game for over a year.

How’s that for your first performance in a year?

This was followed with another clean sheet against Swansea (away) and if Nacho Monreal had tracked Hal Robson-Kanu well in the thumping of already-relegated Reading, Fabianski would have had three clean sheets in a row. He went on to concede from a penalty against West Brom (away) and was rooted to the spot when Norwich’s Michael Turner headed the ball past him. He still went on to make a vital save in that game to keep Norwich at bay.

With his current contract expiring this summer, Fabianski will have to review his future with the club. His cameo performances have shown that he can be a dependable goalkeeper but he needs to back it up with consistency and at least, staying fit to be available for selection.

Rating – 7/10

Vito Mannone – 13 Apps, Two Clean Sheets

Since arriving at Arsenal as far back as 2006, Vito Mannone has still failed to convince anybody that he has what it takes to be the custodian between the sticks for a top side like Arsenal. This season, injuries to Szczesny and Fabianski paved the way for the big Italian to stake his claim for a first-team berth and clean sheets against Stoke (away) and Liverpool (away) must have done wonders to his confidence.

He was wrongly benched for Szczesny against Southampton (home) and conceded from a penalty on his return to the first team when the Gunners played Montpellier (away). When he was tested against bigger opposition, he failed to impress as he was caught in No Man’s Land when he came to claim a cross against Manchester City (away), allowing Joleon Lescott to score an unguarded net.

His performance against Chelsea (home) didn’t inspire confidence in his back line and despite the fact that Thomas Vermaelen clumsiness played a role in both fouls that led to Chelsea’s goals, Mannone should have done better in both set pieces, as he failed to dominate his area in Fernando Torres’ goal and was caught out as Juan Mata’s free kick from Planet Jupiter crept into his net.

While he could be blameless for all goals conceded against Schalke 04 in both legs, he gave his manager a cause for concern when he failed to deal with a cross against West Ham (away), allowing Andy Carroll to head the ball narrowly wide.

In my honest opinion, Mannone is a decent goalkeeper but I don’t feel that he has a long-term future with the club, and it would do him some good if he seeks a move elsewhere, where he doesn’t have to be under the radar all the time.

Rating – 6/10

So there you have it, the first of four posts focused on different playing positions in the team. My take on the defense comes up next.

The voting sequence for the 2012/13 End of Season awards is still ongoing, so feel free to make your votes count in the polls.

Sayonara.

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Nominations for Arsenal’s 2012/13 End of Season Awards

With the 2012/13 season review already published, it’s time to relive those moments that would that stood out from yet another exhilarating campaign. Arsenal began the season with a renewed sense of optimism but the departures of RVP and Alex Song despite the acquisitions of Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla seemed like a classic case of three steps forward, two steps back.

The Premier League was one hell of a roller coaster ride with Arsenal seriously flirting with Europa League football before usurping Tottenham to the final Champions League spot. The Capital One cup saw the Gunners humiliated after losing to a team 65 places below them in the division. The FA Cup also saw the Gunners lose out to another lower division outfit, as the manager had half an eye on his monumental Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

The Gunners were an aberration at home before putting up a spirited performance away at Munich.

With no further ado, I’ve created nine categories for the voting sequence (polls) and I’ll be grateful if you select the category that best suits you then place your vote.

Category One: Save of the Season

This season, Arsenal has had the chance to use all three registered goalkeepers as Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone have all gotten chances to be custodians between the sticks. While Szczesny undoubtedly had a lion’s share of playing time, Fab and Don Vito also put decent shifts when they were called upon.

The nominated saves of the season include – Szczesny’s one-handed save from Steven Fletcher’s header against Sunderland (away), Szczesny’s save from Loic Remy’s shot against Queens Park Rangers (away) and Szczesny’s save from Arouna Kone’s close range shot when Arsenal hosted Wigan.

Categoty Two: Goalkeeping Blunder of the Season

Of course, a season can’t be complete without a blooper or two. While the likes of Szczesny, Fabianski and Mannone did well to put up decent performances, there were some moments of madness they exhibited that probably made them hope that the ground could open and swallow them up.

The nominated blunders of the season include – Szczesny’s unbelievable gaffe against Southampton (home) that broke Arsenal’s clean sheet record, Szczesny’s lapse in concentration from Andreas Weimann’s shot from “three blocks away” against Aston Villa (home) and Mannone’s weak parry from Alex Tettey’s shot that was dispatched by Grant Holt in that disappointing loss to Norwich (away).

Category Three: Goal of the Season

As expected from an attacking side like Arsenal, the goals have rained in this season but there have been some that have stood out from the rest. Here’s my pick of the bunch – Santi Cazorla’s left-footed belter against West Ham (away), Lukas Podolski’s screamer against Montpellier and Kieran Gibbs’ thunderbolt against Swansea.

Category Four: Assist of the Season

While there have been goals that have been awesome in every sense of the word, there have been some stand out assists as well and I can look no further than – Olivier Giroud’s perfectly-timed chip to Kieran Gibbs against Swansea (away), Giroud’s inch-perfect pass to Walcott against West Ham (away), Giroud’s carefully-weight lob to Lukas Podolski against Montpellier (home), Santi Cazorla’s defense-splitting pass to Podolski against Liverpool (away) and Cazorla’s threaded ball to Walcott against Chelsea (away)

Category Five: Match of the Season

Arsenal fans watch their darling team play week in week out but there will always be some games that would last forever in the minds of the supporters. This season, my pick is – Arsenal’s spirited away victory over Bayern Munich, Arsenal’s 5-2 thrashing of Spurs in the North London derby and Arsenal’s epic Capital One cup encounter against Reading.

Category Six: Worst Match of the Season

While there were games that filled the fans with fits of euphoria, there were other games we couldn’t wait to see the back of. This season, Arsenal has had a plethora of horrible results but I had to sift from a host of them before concluding with – the FA Cup home loss to Blackburn, the Capital One humiliation in the hands of Bradford, the Miguel Michu-inspired home loss to Swansea and the away outing at Old Trafford marred by van Persie’s goal and Andre Santos’ moment of madness.

Category Seven: Most Improved Player of the Season

This season, so many players stepped up the plate to put up much-improved performances in contrast to how they played last season. Many players improved in all ramifications but my pick of the bunch was Carl Jenkinson’s early season performances when Bacary Sagna was still out injured, Aaron Ramsey’s resurgence in Spring, Theo Walcott’s improved output and Per Mertesacker cementing his status as Arsenal’s No. 1 defender with stellar performances.

Category Eight: Most Disappointing Player of the Season

While there were some Gunners that put up improved performances all season long, there were others that were big disappointments throughout the campaign with outings that made the fans call for their heads on a plate. This season, many Gooners have been disappointed with the performances of Thomas Vermaelen, Gervinho, Andre Santos and Bacary Sagna.

Category Nine: Player of the Season

Finally, this is the award that goes out to the best player in the 2012/13 season. All players gave their all to the Gunner’s cause but these individuals stepped up the plate and endeared themselves to the hearts of Arsenal fans. May I present – Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott, Per Mertesacker, Mikel Arteta and Laurent Koscielny.

That’s your lot, my Gooner family.

Please make your votes count because the results will influence my 2012/13 End of Season awards post.

Feel free to check out how last year’s awards looked like.

Sayonara.

You can download the Gooner Daily  BlackBerry App to receive notifications on your Smart Phone when a post is published.

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A Tribute to my Blogging Family: And the Leibster Award Goes to…

As a thoroughbred supporter of Arsenal Football Club, I’ve always gone that extra mile to watch every possible game bearing in mind that I’m my own version of the Emirates here in Nigeria.

Unlike some fans in London that are opportuned to see their Gunners play every weekend and of course, in mid-week (I’m jealous), my “Emirates” can be my living room, a pub, or even a viewing center. When the Gunners score a goal, I and that fan in London share the same euphoria and when we lose games; our days become pretty much fucked up as well.

Blogging about Arsenal was born after I was persuaded by three of my brothers from another mum, dKingpin, Obitwyce and Juba to share my views with the internet world. Since the launch of this blog in November 2010, I’ve gone on a wonderful adventure that has bonded me with so many Gooners and friends alike across the globe, even to the extent when I won the 2012 Best Sports Blog Award in last year’s Nigerian Blog Awards nominations.

While I was here doing what I love as usual, my blogging buddy and fellow Gooner, Punkenstein, nominated me for a Liebster Award, which is an award given to WordPress.com bloggers with under 200 WordPress.com followers on their list. I currently have 198 though #justsaying.

The Liebster Award originated somewhere close to Per Mertesacker’s village and Leibster means dearest or beloved while Liebe means love. Prior to this German for Dummies lecture, ze only words I knew were Guten Tag and Guten Morgan.

Getting this Leibster Nominated from a fellow talented blogger like Punkenstein is an honor but the nomination comes with its rules listed below,

Ze Rules

1. Thank the fellow blogger that nominated you
2. List 11 random facts about yourself
3. Answer the questions the blogger has asked you in the post you were nominated
4. Nominate 11 other people
5. Ask the 11 nominees questions as well
6. Last and definitely least, let them know that you nominated them.

Punkenstein, you’re one hell of a writer. Despite the obvious fact that you live, eat and sleep Arsenal, you have a penchant for writing about the Nigerian Premier League, which is pretty cool IMO. You’re also adept in other sports and I love the “random yarns” in your amazing blog.

I’m sure you know this but I also subscribe to your blog so that I don’t miss anything.

 

11 Random Facts about Myself

• I was born in ze ‘80s
• I believe that the Football Manager series are the greatest sets of games ever made. Trust me, you don’t want to know what this game has done to me over the years, and it gets better with each passing sequel. I’m already in 2031 in my FM 13 and of course, I manage Arsenal.
• After finishing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3 in quick succession, I actually craved to be in the battlefield alongside guys like Captain Price, Soap, Ghost, Roach, Sandman, Truck, Grinch, SSgt. Briggs, Gaz and Yuri while hunting down modern-day ‘Imran Zakhaevs’, ‘General Shepherds’ and ‘Makarovs’.
• I don’t smoke (watching ze pink lips) but I’m very cool with folks that do.
• I’ve done unbelievable things to watch Arsenal matches – Trust me, the list is endless.
• I hate fufu (Don’t judge me)
• I consider myself to be a “social drinker” – I only drink in parties, weddings and sometimes burials. -__-
• I have an addiction for fair girls, but my girlfriend is chocolate-skinned.
• I love my job (Yes, I have a life besides blogging about Arsenal)
• I’m addicted to music
• Besides writing a blog about Arsenal, I’m also a sports writer for Bleacher Report, FTBPro and What Culture.

Answers to Punkenstein’s Questions

1. Has your mother ever called you “mad”?

Nah, I’ve always been a good kid *halo appears on my head*

2. What one thing would you never buy if you had £1b in your account today?

Beats by Dre Headphones – I don’t make beats, so what’s the hype about it? *Enters getaway Keke Napep*

3. Have you ever been to the east (of Nigeria)?

Duuuuuuuuuuuh! I’m from Ebonyi State – Salt of the Nation.

4. If yes, what’s it like there? Never been.

In one word – HOT!!!!!!!!

5. Are you, today, who you hoped 5 years ago to be?

Five years ago (2008), I was in my 300 Level studying Chemical Engineering in the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. I’d hoped to be a successful engineer with a good job and loads of cash. Yeah, I’m who I hoped I’d be.

6. Frank Spencer and Mr. Bean, Who’s worse/better?

It’s just like comparing Peter Griffin to Homer Simpson in terms of stupidity. Mr. Bean is in his own world abeg…that guy is just epic!!!

7. What’s the oddest item you saw on sale while stuck in traffic?

A guy selling Gold Circle condoms – In traffic, like seriously? -___-

8. Are you considered a tweet-celeb? -_-

In the Arsenal world as @goonerdaily (4,605 ffers) yeah! But for my own personal account @enigma106 (1,188 ffers) – I’ll letchu know when I give two fledgling fucks

9. Gay rights, yay or nay?

I’d say “yay”…It’s their decision not to enjoy what we “straight folks” enjoy. They shouldn’t be discriminated for that. 

10. Can you cook?

Yeah…a mad cook as well. In FUTO, I was the Chef-chenko of my lodge, European Villa, Umuchima

11. Are we done yet? 

Yezzir

In my time as a blogger, I’ve had the opportunity to feast my eyes on a number of amazing blogs. My nominees for the Liebster blog award, noted for their refreshing content, are:

• Punkenstein’s Blog
• Soccergunz
• Gambino Snitch
• Movie Reviews
• Blazing Cannons
• Campus Gooner
• Arsenal Ghana
• Armoury Square
• These are not Memoirs
• Chelsea News Letter
• Rated Erotic

Awesome blogs like One Nil Down Two One Up, Sunday Morning Gooner, O Posts, Lady Arse, Gunnerblog and of course, Arseblog deserve to be on my list, but due to the iron-clad rules I have to adhere too (for WordPress.com blogs only), they only deserve honorable mentions.

Finally, My Questions for the Nominees

1. If you have a gun with only one bullet in it and you’re to use it to kill anyone in the world, who will it be and why?
2. Where will you like to spend your honeymoon with your future spouse? (disregard this Q if you’re already married -__-)
3. How did you feel after Robin van Persie left to join Manchester United?
4. If you have a chance to screw any of the girls that have acted alongside James Bond in his movies, who will it be and why? (This isn’t for ‘These are not Memoirs’ and ‘Rated Erotic’ – I know you’re ladies)
5. If you have a chance to be anywhere in the world right now, where will it be and why?
6. How did you get interested in writing?
7. If you had the chance to date any celebrity at all, who would you date and why?
8. Which would you prefer to have this year – 10,000 more page views or 100 more WordPress.com followers?
9. If you ever played Mortal Kombat, who was your best Kharacter?
10. What would you rate as your greatest achievement so far?

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it. If you didn’t then don’t worry because I’ll be back feeding you with your daily Arsenal digest next time around. This post saw the light of day because it was really nice that someone feels I deserve this award. And it’s not just anyone. I was nominated by a blogger that’s a damn good writer.

NB: There is no general committee that handles this award. its’s just a recognition from one blogger to another for how awesome they are.

Besides, I now know a number of blogs I can follow off the nominees list of others… which basically is what the Liebster is all about in my view. #stolen

Sayonara.

You can download the Gooner Daily  BlackBerry App to receive notifications on your Smart Phone when a post is published.

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Arsenal’s 2011/12 End of Season Awards

In yet another fruitless campaign by our standards, Arsenal secured a third place finish in the Premier League but the Gunners didn’t fare too well in other competitions football had to offer in the 2011/12 season.

The Carling Cup adventure ended in the quarterfinals, they managed to reach the Fifth Round of the FA Cup and they bowed out of the Champions League in the first knockout stage.

At the end of each season, Gooner Daily will publish a list of its personal awards for the Gunners in that campaign. There are awards for the good, the bad and the ugly.

The criteria include:

• Save of the Season
• Goalkeeping Blunder of the Season
• Goal of the Season
• Assist of the Season
• Match of the Season
• Worst match of the Season
• Most Improved Player of the Season
• Most Disappointing Player of the Season
• Player of the Season
• Gooner Daily XI of the Season

Each criterion will have a top three listing from the third to the first.

Enjoy!

SAVE OF THE SEASON

Despite the fact that a goalie might have one of the most “boring” roles in football, his importance to the team is unrivaled. As one of the essential components that form the back bone of any team, he can be the difference between three points and one point. Here’s Gooner Daily’s top three.

3.            Wojciech Szczesny against Udinese (August 2011): Antonio di Natale had a glorious chance from 12 yards to hand Udinese an advantage in the Champions League playoff second leg. He smashed in a goal-bound shot that was saved emphatically by Wojciech Szczesny.

2.            Wojciech Szczesny against Sunderland (September 2011): Despite being on the back foot for a considerable chunk of the game, Sunderland launched a counter attack through Stephane Sessegnon. The Beninese forward lofted a cross that was nodded goalwards by Lee Cattermole. Up stepped Szczesny to develop the reflexes of a cat to keep the ball out.

1.            Wojciech Szczesny against Wolves (April 2012): Arsenal controlled the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers but a turning point arrived when the Gunners where 2-0 up. Stephen Hunt dinked in a cross for an unmarked Kevin Doyle that headed the ball in Szczesny’s opposite direction. The goalie used every muscle left in him to stretch brilliantly before making a top drawer save.

 

GOALKEEPING BLUNDER OF THE SEASON

In the yesteryear, Arsenal fans graced themselves to witness horrendous displays from their goalies that always ended up hurting the team. Mad Jens Lehmann, Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski have had their great moments in goal but their howlers have achieved legendary status. Here are the top three goalkeeping blunders this season.

3.            Wojciech Szczesny against Tottenham (October 2011): In recent meetings, Tottenham had been the alpha club in North London Derbies and the pendulum swung in their direction in their 2-1 victory in October. However, the match winner came from a Kyle Walker shot that was horribly miscalculated by Wojciech Szczesny.

2.            Wojciech Szczesny against Norwich (May 2012): Arsenal relinquished their stranglehold on third place in their penultimate game of the season against Norwich courtesy of a disappointing 3-3 draw. The visitors leveled the contest at 1-1 when Wes Hoolahan fired a shot that was flapped by Szczesny into his goal.

3.            Vito Mannone against Olympiakos (December 2011): In a dead-rubber match against Olympiakos Piraeus, Vito Mannone replaced an injured Lukasz Fabianski in goal. Mannone assumed the role of a sweeper to head the ball to safety but David Fuster hit the ball towards the goal. However, Mannone stunned everyone when he chose to use his feet to attempt to clear the ball when he could have caught the ball easily.

What a shame!

GOAL OF THE SEASON

Goals are the very essence of football. The Premier League is rated as one of the best divisions in world football because of the high-octane football played as well as the entertainment value is brings. In football, one goal is enough to get you three points in a match provided you are rock solid and water-tight at the back. These are the three goals Gooner Daily felt stood out from the crowd in the 2011/12 season.

3.            Mikel Arteta against Manchester City (April 2012): Manchester City handed the Premier League title on a platter to their rivals, Manchester United, after succumbing to a 1-0 loss at the Emirates. It was a goal worthy of getting all three points as Mikel Arteta won possession in midfield to fire a surface-to-goal missile past the impressive Joe Hart.

2.            Robin van Persie against Tottenham (February 2012): In a game that will be fondly remembered for all the right reasons, Arsenal showed great resilience, spirit and character to overturn a two-goal deficit to a five-goal thriller that handed them three points against the enemy, Tottenham Hotspurs. Robin van Persie scored Arsenal’s second goal with a magnificent curling effort that gave Brad Friedel no chance in Hell.

1.            Robin van Persie against Everton (December 2011): In a day filled up with celebration as Arsenal marked its 125^th anniversary, Everton provided a stern test for the Gunners. Alex Song launched a perfectly-weighted projectile that was volleyed home by Robin van Persie. It was a goal that epitomized what he stood for this season; technique, precision and class.

ASSIST OF THE SEASON

This season, there were three outstanding assists for the Gunners that cut opposition defenses like hot knife through butter. Despite the fact that the end product created the euphoria, three passes were worth their weight in gold. Here’s Gooner Daily’s top three.

3.            Alex Song for Robin van Persie against Everton (December 2011):  Alex Song was a phenom in the concluded season and proved his mettle to his team in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Everton. Van Persie’s goal turned out to be the Goal of the Season but the assist was a delightfully chipped projectile from Alex Song.

2.            Alex Song for Thierry Henry against Leeds (January 2012): A fairytale moment turned out to be the solitary goal put Leeds United to the sword. Alex Song evaded a couple of defenders before slotting a brilliant pass to Henry. The rest they say is history.

1.            Alex Song for Robin van Persie against Dortmund (November 2011):  Arsenal paired with the champions of Germany and Greece as well as a prestigious French outfit but they topped their group with consummate ease. In the second encounter against Dortmund, Alex Song made a Lionel Messi-esque run before feeding van Persie with an inch-perfect cross.

Alex Song invoking the spirit of Lionel Messi

MATCH OF THE SEASON

Arsenal fans endured the ignominy of another fruitless campaign but there were some fixtures that made everyone concerned with the club proud to feel Red and White. Here are the top three matches that will remain in Gooner hearts forever.

3.            Arsenal 3 AC Milan 0 (March 2012): The Gunners suffered a humiliating defeat in Italy but the spirits were high ahead of the return leg at the Emirates. Laurent Koscielny nodded the ball home early on and this was followed by a placed Tomas Rosicky effort. Robin van Persie capped up a scintillating first half display with a converted penalty but the Gunners didn’t have enough gas in the tank to score the goal that would have taken the game to extra time.

2.            Chelsea 3 Arsenal 5 (October 2011): Arsenal faced a wounded lion in the form of Chelsea in a fixture were the brilliant attacking play and atrocious defending was the order of the day. Goals from Andre Santos, Theo Walcott and an outstanding hat-trick from Robin van Persie handed the Gunners their sweetest victory in Stamford Bridge in a long while.

1.            Arsenal 5 Tottenham 2 (February 2012): Tottenham were running away with the game when they gained a 2-0 lead but the resurgent Gunners capped up an enthralling display by scoring five goals that were worth their weights in gold. Bacary Sagna opened the scoring with a strong header, Robin van Persie slotted in a sweet curling effort, Tomas Rosicky dinked one in and a much-maligned Theo Walcott netted a brace.

5PUR2

WORST MATCH OF THE SEASON

There were also some matches that were very unbearable to watch. Here’s my top three.

3.            Sunderland 2 Arsenal 0: The Gunners ensured that their hunt for silverware will be extended by another year after a woeful performance against a Sunderland side finding their feet under Martin O’Neill. A Kieran Richardson shot and an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain own goal sealed the Gunners’ fate.

2.            AC Milan 4 Arsenal 0: This was one Italian job that was highly unsuccessful as the Gunners failed to turn up on a San Siro pitch that was fit enough o graze cattle. A stunning Kevin-Prince Boateng volley, Robinho brace and Zlatan Ibrahimovic penalty more or less knocked the Gunners out of the Champions League.

3.            Manchester United 8 Arsenal 2: How I 8-2 to be an Arsenal on a day like this. Wayne Rooney turned into the football version of Midas as everything he touched changed to gold…goals. Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck, Park Ji-Sung and Luis Nani also got in the act in my worst outing as an Arsenal fan till date.

 

 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE SEASON

This season, many Gunners impressed their manager, fellow teammates and most importantly, the fans with greatly improved displays on a consistent basis. Here’s my top three.

3.            Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (26 games, four goals, three assists): When Arsene Wenger burnt £12m on an unearthed talented youngster from Southampton critics pointed their fingers at the club, regarding his purchase as a poor piece of judgment. However, the Ox was introduced slowly into the squad and came of age in 2012, exhuming confidence in his displays that were also consistent.

2.            Francis Coquelin (17 games, one assist): Coquelin was handed a league debut in the 8-2 mauling at Old Trafford courtesy of Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong’s disciplinary issues. He also deputized in both fullback positions during the club’s mysterious injury crisis and he was largely impressive.

1.            Laurent Koscielny (42 games, four goals, three assists): Koscielny was an ever-present figure last season and he showed his great mental strength to recover from his Wembley disaster to put up stellar performances all season long. Despite the fact that he was paired with several defensive partners in the course of the year, Kos the Boss was evergreen and rightly earned a call up to the Les Bleus squad of Euro 2012.

Bosscielny

MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Arsenal also had its fair share of players that failed to step their game up all season long, and they were often subjected to a barrage of insults and causes from the fans. Here’s my take of the infamous three.

3.            Aaron Ramsey (44 games, three goals, eight assists): Aaron Ramsey endured a turbulent campaign that had its own share of drama to say the least. His three goals against Tottenham, Marseille and Sunderland came hand in hand with the demises of Steve Jobs, Muammar Gaddafi and Whitney Houston respectively. However, Ramsey made some inconsistent displays that made him unbearable to watch at times causing him to lose his starting berth to Tomas Rosicky.

2.            Johan Djourou (27 games): An Achilles tendon injury to Thomas Vermaelen and Sebastien Squillaci’s shaky performances paved the way for Djourou in his breakthrough 2010/11 campaign. He failed to replicate the same form last season, and he was torn open with he played as a right back.

1.            Andrei Arshavin (26 games, two goals, four assists): Arshavin has been an enigma in his time at Arsenal. Despite having staggering stats in terms of goals scored and assists created, his displays on the pitch were lethargic and below par, enraging the fans on several occasions. He was shipped to Zenit to rediscover his form as well as to get some valuable playing time, as his place in his national team was under threat.

Oh well….

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Arsenal fans were given the opportunity to place votes of several polls created on the club’s website and the results were announced a few days ago. However, the prestigious award of the player of the season will be given the Gunners that really deserved it in my opinion.

3.            Alex Song (46 games, one goal, 14 assists): Alex Song imposed himself as Arsenal’s deep-lying playmaker this season, despite being a holding midfielder by default. The Cameroonian gem had some freaky hairstyles as the season progressed, but his outputs on the pitch were breathtaking to say the least.

2.            Laurent Koscielny (42 games, four goals, three assists): Koscielny overshadowed his peers in the heart of Arsenal’s defense with consistent displays that saw him humble a host of Premier League forwards as the season progressed. Despite all the plaudits, he had two perfectly-struck own goals to his name.

1.            Robin van Persie (47 games, 37 goals, 15 assists): Robin van Persie is the club’s best player as well as the captain, all-spark, talisman, Flying Dutchman, perpetual goal scoring machine and the football standard for measuring technique. His scintillating and amazing performances on the pitch epitomized everything he stood for this season; precision, technique and class.

A goal to remember in the North London derby

GOONER DAILY XI OF THE SEASON

This is the final award in this year’s edition. It goes to 11 players that gave Arsenal everything even if they ended in another trophy-less campaign. The Gooner Daily XI award will be given on account of Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

GOALIE: Wojciech Szczesny (48 games, 18 clean sheets): Szczesny usurped Lukasz Fabianksi to become Arsenal’s custodian between the sticks and he commanded his area superbly, dealing with crosses as well as orchestrating his defense. He also made top drawer saves in the course of the season and he had 18 clean sheets to show for it.

Gooner Daily rating: 7.5

LEFT BACK: Kieran Gibbs (22 games, two goals): Gibbs had a history for his injury problems but he managed to get his highest amount of games in Arsenal colors last season. He also fought a good fight with Andre Santos, giving his manager selection headaches and he put up decent displays all season long. He’ll be forever remembered for his excellent tackle in the final game against West Brom.

Gooner Daily rating: 6.5

RIGHT BACK: Bacary Sagna (28 games, one goal, four assists): Sagna was one of Arsenal’s consistent performers in the campaign but he suffered two leg fractures that halted his progress. However, he provided wit to Arsenal’s play and he also put in a lion’s share of good crosses.

Gooner Daily rating: 7.0

CENTER BACK: Thomas Vermaelen (40 games, six goals, two assists): The Verminator showed his attacking prowess this season as he ended the season in third place in Arsenal’s goalscoring charts with Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun with six goals. He also put up commanding defensive displays but there were some games where he was found wanting as his forays forward cost his team at the back.

Gooner Daily rating: 7.5

CENTER BACK: Laurent Koscielny (42 games, four goals, three assists): Koscielny’s performances this season were mind-blowing to say the least and he can also take pride in scoring the goal that guaranteed Arsenal’s Champions League status next season. Kos was truly the Boss.

Gooner Daily rating: 9.0

HOLDING MIDFIELDER: Alex Song (46 games, one goal, 14 assists): Song was the creative lynchpin of Arsenal’s midfield in his pseudo playmaking role despite being the chief enforcer of the team. He was an ever-present player that oozed confidence in his ability as well as his play in general.

Gooner Daily rating: 8.5

HOLDING MIDFIELDER: Mikel Arteta (38 games, six goals, three assists): Arteta arrived on the transfer deadline day and integrated perfectly into Arsenal’s midfield, endearing himself to the fans with his balanced, composed and mature style of play that brought stability to Arsenal’s midfield.

Gooner Daily rating: 8.0

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Tomas Rosicky (38 games, two goals, six assists): Little Mozart was left for dead as Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey dropped him down the pecking order in Arsenal’s midfield. In somewhat mysterious circumstances, Fabregas and Nasri departed for greener pastures, Wilshere suffered a long-term injury and Ramsey suffered a poor run of form. This paved the way for Rosicky that received a new lease of life to put up brilliant displays in his favored position.

Gooner Daily rating: 7.5

RIGHT WINGER: Theo Walcott (46 games, 11 goals, 13 assists): Walcott had his fair share of inconsistency last season but his output to the team was unrivaled. He grew in confidence with subsequent games provided a lion’s share of assists for his telepathic partner, Robin van Persie.

Gooner Daily rating: 8.0

LEFT WINGER: Gervinho (34 games, four goals, eight assists): Gervinho hit the ground running with some splendid performances in the start of his Arsenal career but his form waned after the 2012 African Cup of Nations. At some point, he lost his place to the Ox and Yossi Benayoun but in my opinion, he still deserves a place in my XI of the Season.

Gooner Daily rating: 7.0

CENTER FORWARD: Robin van Persie: If Arsenal is likened to the Earth, van Persie must be Atlas, as he singlehandedly carried Arsenal to a third place finish in the Premier League with 30 goals registered to his name. When the chips were down on several occasions, the general stepped up the plate to rally his troops with more commanding displays.

Gooner Daily rating: 9.5

I hope you enjoyed reading this article as well as I enjoyed writing it.

As we say the end of every season, let’s that hope that next season would be our season.

Sayonara.

You can follow Gooner Daily on Twitter @goonerdaily. I’ll follow back

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Finally, you can join Gooner Daily’s Mailing List to get notifications of new posts by email