And so the curtain closes on yet another PremierLeague season, with a top 3 place firmly held by the mighty Arsenal, with a possible FA Cup to end the season on. It’s been a very up and down season, where wins against the current champions Manchester City were unraveled by disappointing loses against Stoke City and Swansea City.
We’ve had some fantastic nights, much like the return of Danny Welbeck in our triumphant progression of the FA Cup at Old Trafford. But we’ve also had some quite awful days. Nightmares of Swansea, Stoke and Spurs have really given our season an ‘Arsenal’ touch as we fell at the final hurdle, beaten to the peak by a fantastic Chelsea team. Alongside this, a disappointing run in the Champions League and Capitol Cup led to a few frustrating moments, alongside the happy memories (Such as Sanogo scoring against Dortmund)
But where do we go from here? Arsenal look set to bring in multiple names over the summer to replace some sketchy positions. But how well did our current squad do in this seasons Barclays Premier League of 2014-2015.
(Disclaimer : These ratings have been awarded to any player playing 10 or more games for Arsenal’s first team this season, whether this be as a substitute or as a first team starter. Each rating is rated out of a possible 10, and take into account the entire season. The first, most consistent 16 players will be listed, followed by the remaining entitled players. The number in brackets present the number of substitute appears that player has made.)
Goalkeepers
David Ospina: 7/10
Appearances : 17
Clean Sheets : 8
Summary : A decent season for the new Colombian signing. Not the world class signing we were expecting, but however has proven to be a great purchase for a very low price, in consideration of the inflated player market. Hopefully he can kick on and really shine, regardless of what happens in the summer.
Wojciech Szczesny: 6/10
Appearances : 17
Clean Sheets : 3
Summary : At times we’ve needed to rely on him, and at times he has been one of the most inconsistent players ever. At times he will pull off a world class save, but then his naivety leads to a silly mistake. He has the quality, but just not the right attitude, which may see him leave the Emirates in replace of a ‘Cech’ or ‘Casillas’ signing.
Defenders
Kieran Gibbs: 6/10
Appearances : 17(4)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 0/3
Summary : Held back by injury, Gibbs has found it difficult to make it into the first team. Luckily, the growth of Nacho Monreal has allowed this injury to actually go unnoticed to an extent. I honestly feel bad for Kieran, because he is a real talent that we can claim to be ‘one of our own’. He may, however, receive a call up due to other injuries to the England squad, so I hope he can kick off and we can see him next Sunday and lift the FA Cup.
Nacho Monreal: 8/10
Appearances : 26(2)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 0/1
Summary : With the injuries we endured at the start of the season, Nacho began the season at Centre-Back, with our limited depth prior to Gabriel’s arrival. Although highly criticised at the beginning, he genuinely played well in this unnatural position, and eventually gained his spot in the first team. With Kieran Gibbs becoming injured, Nacho was allowed the freedom of this position, to which he played incredibly well. He has been one of the most improved players this season, and has really silenced his critics.
Laurent Koscienly: 8.5/10
Appearances : 26(1)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 3/0
Summary : Koscienly has been one of our star performers, and ultimately hasn’t placed a foot wrong. Although there had been many defensive errors this season, Koscienly has often ‘cleaned up’ the mistakes and has really taken the reigns in England. I still remember my aggressive tweets of Arsenal signing an Ligue 2 played, however this Ligue 2 player has now been included in the BPL Team of the Season, which is an incredible achievement for Laurent and Arsene himself.
Per Mertesacker: 7/10
Appearances : 34
Goals Scored/Assisted : 1/2
Summary : He may possibly leave in the next summers , but Per really can be proud of his achievements at Arsenal. Leading from the back due to Mikel Arteta’s absence, Mertesacker has had a great season, and has been a part of one of the best defensive duos we have had in many years.
Hector Bellerin: 7/10
Appearances : 16(3)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 2/1
Summary : Hector has had a brilliant first season in the first team. His speed and agility have proved to be his strong points, however his inexperience has proved costly against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. But these qualities will improve in the near future and will hope to see the Spaniard continue his role in the first team.
Midfielders
Mesut Ozil: 6.5/10
Appearances : 20(1)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 4/5
Summary : This season has been one of two halves. Much like last season, Mesut was injured for a long period of time, but then rejoined the fray during the month of April. Well he’s done so again and he has us mesmerised at his skill and passing ability. Unfortunately, his rating is due to his start to the season as it is a measurement of the player throughout the season. When he hadn’t been injured, Mesut realistically played very poorly, but regained his form going into this concluding season. Hopefully it is a good sign for Mesut to kick on and start the season as well as silence his critics.
Santiago Cazorla: 8/10
Appearances : 32(4)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 7/9
Summary : The 30 magician/Playmaker/Wizard (Or whatever you want to call him ) has had an outstanding season, with his performance vs Manchester City coming to mind as one of his best games in an Arsenal shirt. Named in the BPL Team of the Season, Santi has been at his best, as he seems to become older. Much like FC Barcelona’s Xavi, Cazorla is highly rated as a passing creator of chances, whether that be from open play or dead ball positions. Admist speculation of a move from Atletico Madrid, I hope to see Cazorla retain his place in North London.
Jack Wilshere: 7/10
Appearances : 8(5)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 2/1
Summary : As I write this upon my return from from the West Brom game, Jack was been given the ‘Goal of the Season’ for his strike against the baggies. Injuries aside, Jack has had an very strong season, as his passion seems to outplay midfielders. I just hope to see him become s more prominent player in midfield, possibly when Cazorla leaves the club in a few years.
Alexis Sanchez: 9/10
Appearances : 33(1)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 16/8
Summary : For £35million, I can see why Barcelona fans didn’t want him to leave. Alexis’ determination to fight for his place has made him one of the best players of the entire Barclays Premier League. Although petering off near the tail end of the season, Sanchez was the first player since the King Himself, to score more than 20 goals in his debut season at Arsenal. With the team becoming forever more experienced, the service and talent around him would signify how important he is to the team, and I hope to see him kick on into next seasons title challenge.
Aaron Ramsey: 8/10
Appearances : 22(6)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 6/6
Summary : Our FA Cup hero of last season has had an up and down season, but finally picked up some exciting form going into January. He, of course, hasn’t been able to reach the levels of last season, but however he is proving to become an even better player, and so he deserves his place at Wembley.
Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain: 7/10
Appearances : 17(6)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 1/1
Summary : Alex has become one of my favourite Arsenal players, because he really seems to want to play for the shirt rather than for the wealth. I only wish he was able to stay fit, along with the battling Wilshere and Walcott. His injection and pace and his precision dribbling is a joy to behold, and I am excited about his future at Arsenal FC.
Francis Coquelin: 9/10
Appearances : 19(3)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 0/0
Summary : Who needs Paul Pogba when you have the ‘Policeman’? He’s been the star of the second half of the season and he really deserves his place in the squad, even after multiple poor loan spells in Germany and France. The only reason he hasn’t been given a 10 is due to his time in the season. Although playing almost every game since returning, I feel the 10 rating would only be rewarded to players who have been consistent for the entire 38 games, which sees him sit on a 9 rating. Do we really need to buy another CDM now?
Strikers
Danny Welbeck: 6/10
Appearances : 18(7)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 4/3
Summary : “It’s a poor backpass, to Danny Welbeck!!!!!!!”. This line of commentary from the FA Cup has to be his highlight of the season. Although criticised for his £16million move to the Emirates, Welbeck has brought new power and pace to the team, to which has left many surprised at his work rate. His goal to game ratio has been restricted due to his multiple appearances on the wing, but however he looks set to possibly have a place in the starting XI next weekend.
Olivier Giroud: 7.5/10
Appearances : 20(6)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 14/3
Summary : Due to an confusing injury gained from the 2-2 draw to Everton, Giroud missed almost 3 months with an ankle injury, restricting us to alternatives. However, in consideration of the final ‘Golden Boot’ award, Giroud was only 11 goals away from winning, which sounds like a lot but really isn’t. Thierry Henry claimed that Giroud was not good enough at Arsenal, but those comments were met with a strong defence of the Frenchman. I would like to give him an 8 rating, but however he really struggled to impact some of our most important games, much like his hattrick of chances against Monaco. However disappointing he was that evening, Giroud still has had an fantastic season and we can’t take that away from him.
Other Honourable Mentions
Mathieu Debuchy: 6/10
Appearances : 10
Goals Scored/Assisted : 1/0
Summary : After his summer move to Arsenal from Newcastle, Mathieu has endured many months sidelined, with Callum Chambers and Hector Bellerin stepping in to fill the gap. However, when he had played, Debuchy really showed the experience he holds, to which is unmatched by anyone else in his position. Let’s drink to good health for the Frenchman for next season.
Callum Chambers: 6.5/10
Appearances : 17(6)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 1/1
Summary : During Pre-Season, Callum gained an incredible 4 Man Of The Match performances, with his height and strength proving to be his key attributes. However, a few mismatched performances such as the 2-1 defeat to Swansea City had left Callum on the bench, as Hector Bellerin was given the lime light. I would love to see Callum at Centre-Back next season, as he seems much more suited for that position.
Tomas Rosicky: 7/10
Appearances : 5(9)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 2/1
Summary : After just signing a new contract, it’s great to see that Tomas wants to stay another season. Although now 34, he wants a chance just like the players around him, even though he is by far the oldest player in the team. I only wish he was played more often, but however the midfield has been very strong this season and so it would be difficult for anyone to break into it. With the 14 games he was a part of, the Czech International played extremely well, making him a fan favourite. I would like to see his role increase, however it’s a difficult time for Tomas, considering we are not scared to spend anymore.
Theo Walcott: 7/10
Appearances : 4(9)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 5/0
Summary : Once again, much like Tomas, Walcott really was a game changer once coming off the bench. His finishing will need to improve, but however this is a form of confidence which is second nature to Theo. His pace causes a real problem for defences and he really does change the outlook of a game, much like he did against Manchester United and his final day hatrick against West Brom.
Mikel Arteta: 5/10
Appearances : 6(1)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 0/1
Summary : Due to a few bad injuries, Mikel hasn’t been able to play as near to what he should be expected to play. As club captain, his age seems to have crept up on him, and it could seriously become a factor this summer if we are willing to let him return to Spain.
Mathieu Flamini: 5/10
Appearances : 15(8)
Goals Scored/Assisted : 1/1
Summary : In summary, Flamini has simply been out classed. The new array of talent and form around him has left him as a substitute for the majority of the season, to the joy of most Arsenal fans. In comparison to Francis Coquelin, Flamini’s tackles and unnecessary runs have really been highlighted much more than previous seasons, and so makes his role at Arsenal questionable.