And I just couldn’t help asking myself where all this Adebayor hatred is coming from. Last week, both Arsene Wenger and Adebayor’s agent - Stephane Courbis - said the player will stay at Arsenal. Now as I said last week, even interviews are to be taken with a pinch of salt during the summer but as far as I know, these two sounded genuine.

So yesterday, when rumours about a possible move to City circulated around, I was surprised how on earth transfer rumours got the upper hand over two interviews in which our boss and his agent said the player will not leave the Arsenal.

Seriously, I’m ashamed to call myself an Arsenal fan after all the hatred against Adebayor I read yesterday, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he leaves as I would never want to stay in a place where I feel unwanted.

I mean come on, whether you like it or not, he still is an Arsenal player and as I said a week or so ago, I hope he stays because with the 2010 World Cup around the corner, he will want to rediscover the form of two years ago so as to take it to Africa.

I understand when a player is criticised when the season is underway for not performing, for not trying, but the season is over. How can you know for sure next season Emmanuel will be as uninterested as he was last season?

And then, you want him to be sold? Ok, but to bring in who? What makes you think a new signing will fit straight away alongside Robin and/or Bendtner? Believe me, Adebayor was NOT the only player who didn’t deliver last season, so the treatment he’s receiving is an absolute disgrace.

Just like last week, here’s my recap on all the news we’ve been reading about so far this summer, well, during the last 7 days in this case. Felipe Melo - as I predicted - did not sign and maybe that could mean that Arsene has no intention to sign a central midfielder, which would be a shame as we desperately need someone there. Not saying the reason no central midfielder will join is that Melo extended with the Viola but he seemed to be very close to us according to what Gilberto Silva revealed and usually, if Wenger fails to sign his main target, he rarely goes for a backup.

Anyway, below is indeed a small recap of what’s going on in all departments of our squad, feel free to comment if you wish.

At the back

Apparenty our boss was speaking to a French radio station, RMC, and revealed there was no approach for either Gallas or Silvestre. Now of course I’m delighted to hear that because I consider Gallas to still be a fundamental piece in our back four board. As for Silvestre, what I said in my season review still stands: he’s no good, but he can play in so many roles that it’s always an asset to have as a third backup for such roles.

Speaking of the back four, it’s amazing the rumours going on back there. Some believe we’ll sign a new central defender, others say Kolo and William may leave whilst there was also someone who spotted Kolo Toure “in the streets of Manchester” only to then find out he was somewhere else. My view on this is that it makes no sense to be in a position where one central defender is needed, you sign him, but then sell two of the old guard. Seriously, we’re fine just as we are after Thomas’ arrival, let’s spend the money elsewhere.

In midfield

Tomas Rosicky gave us some good news ahead of the start of the season saying his “endurance tests are even better than when he signed with Arsenal”. Contrary to what many believe, Tomas may not be an end-product yet, after all, he’s only 28 and if he recovers completely and stays fit, he may delight us for two-three more years. After all, he’s one of our most skillful players so it would be such a plus to have him back, just like a new signing.

Meanwhile, both Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere put pen to paper despite not enjoying a lot of first-team football last season. Both of them are incredibly talented, especially Jack so it’s great to see both of them committing to the club.

Up Front

Robin signed. I don’t know why it took so long but now he did. I read mixed feelings on this but although I admit he can be very inconsistent sometimes, I also remember the incredible month or so last January when he hit top form and showed what he can do when he means business. Remember, there was very little to be motivated about last season and when there’s no motivation, it’s understandable not to deliver.

In a way, the same can be said of Adebayor. I repeat I have a feeling that if he stays he will deliver just like two years ago.

Hi-definition photos of next season’s jerseys

The jerseys are all here, I just need to find time to take the photos. For those who are skeptic whether to buy them or not, the photos will help you decide. I can tell you I adore the new away kit, the blue one of course since the white one is still on its way. I also noticed that the Arsenal shield has now the (R) trademark sign on all jerseys, even the training kits, something not there in last season’s ones.

But anyway, make sure to keep an eye on the 2009/10 Arsenal Jerseys page if you’re interested.

Italy

The defending champions will certainly be considered genuine contenders to win the World Cup, having overcome the odds in 2006 to win the tournament for the fourth time. However, the Azzurri are not the force they once were – despite retaining the bulk of their 2006 winning squad, the majority of their star names such as Del Piero, Pirlo, Gattuso, Zambrotta are the wrong side of 30 and no longer at their peak. Young stars such as Sebastian Giovinco have shown potential, but nobody has yet filled the boots of the influential Francesco Totti, who retired from international football after the triumph in Germany.

Spain

The Euro 2008 winners continue to look strong, strolling through their group. Their squad oozes quality with stars like Torres, Villa, Silva, Fabregas, Alonso, Ramos, Puyol, Iniesta and the Euro 2008 player of the tournament Xavi Hernandez. After years of underachieving, the Spanish squad now looks the part and they would be my tip to win the tournament. The soccer / football betting fans agree, pricing Spain as the current favourites to be crowned 2010 champions.

Brazil

In qualifying, they have looked distinctly average and it’s fair to say the stars of previous World Cup triumphs such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos haven’t been replaced by the new breed. However, Brazil still possess Kaka and the exciting prospect of Alexandre Pato so no matter what their pre-tournament form is, they still carry the fear factor and other nations will be hoping to avoid them.

England

Whisper it, but England are genuine contenders for the 2010 World Cup. Under Fabio Capello, England look organized and dangerous. The players seem to know their roles within the team, Wayne Rooney is enjoying his best international form since Euro 2004 and in Theo Walcott, they possess one of the most exciting talents in world football. It will be tough, but if they can somehow avoid the dreaded penalty shootout then they will certainly be among the contenders.

Argentina

Like Brazil, they have been unconvincing in the qualifying campaign but a quick look through their squad which possesses ability like Kun Aguero, Carlos Tevez and of course the worlds best player Lionel Messi tells you that Argentina do have the capability to win the World Cup. Their defensive frailties remain though and there will be doubts over the tactics of rookie coach Diego Maradona, as well as his temperament with playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme already refusing to play for the national team while the legendary midfielder is in charge.

Germany

Never, ever write off the Germans. Pundits may tell you that German football is in decline but a quick look back at recent years which includes a semi-final appearance in 2006 and a final appearance in 2002, as well as reaching the final of Euro 2008 tells you otherwise. Germany have breezed through the qualifying campaign and led by Chelsea star Michael Ballack will be a major threat in South Africa.

Summary

The World Cup is getting closer and I for one cannot wait. It promises to be a fantastic tournament, with many contenders for the trophy. It is the largest event in UK for sports betting and each tournament breaks the previous record for amounts wagered.

Here I am, 24 days after my last part of last’s season review, putting down some thoughts about all the news we read about in the last month. I didn’t have much to write about lately so I preferred to stay quiet and let the rest of the team update you guys with news and transfer rumours. But today, I want to share some thoughts with you, plenty of them actually…

I admit I know nothing on Thomas. Ok, easy, I know I should have done my homework before writing this article, but I’m lazy by nature. Well seriously, I never saw him play but I know Ronald de Boer rates him very high, as he revealed to one of our readers in an exclusive interview we published last Sunday.

Also, what I know about him is what I read on other blogs, one in particular, who was highlighting how Thomas was part of the back four with Ajax when they conceded a lot and a lot of goals. I apologise to the owner of the blog as I don’t remember which one it was, drop us a comment if you’re reading this. Anyway, as that blog was saying, you can’t judge a player based on that and my sixth sense is telling me he will do really well for us.

Felipe Melo

So much going on about the Brasilian, eh? Well in my third and last part of the season review, I said that we need a central defender, a central midfielder and a new striker if Emmanuel leaves. The central defender signed and that’s Thomas of course and as for the central midfielder, well, if it will be Melo I will be delighted. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will happen, for two very simple reasons. The first one is that his agent clearly said the player wants to stick with Fiorentina. And two, well, remember when Wenger said Alonso and/or Barry would kill Denilson, Song and Diaby? Well how would Denilson react if Wenger signs a new midfielder and a Brasilian one? That would bury him, not just kill him.

So yes, as of today, those three players have another season under their belt so if Wenger really meant what he said back then, I’m afraid we will see no central midfielder coming in this summer. Which would be a shame, because I insist on saying we need one.

Fabregas’ comments on The Sun

On our lack of silverware, Cesc was quoted as saying on The Sun, “Cristiano (Ronaldo) said he’s leaving Manchester United because he had nothing else to win. For me right now it is the exact opposite, seeing the impotence”.

Many Arsenal fans were upset by such comments, asking how can a captain say something like that? Well I’m not upset, nor surprised. I’m actually surprised he’s the only one making such remarks. In my opinion, when you play with very young players or someone like Silvestre who should have retired long ago, there’s a big risk these players may not necessary put winning titles as their number one priority, just because they’re just happy to play. Cesc experienced what it means to play in the first eleven, what it means to win and what type of fighting spirit is required when he started at the club. Seeing those around him happy just because they are playing may upset him, and I fully understand that.

Adebayor

Not much going on about what was supposed to be our soap-opera this summer. He still is an Arsenal player but for how long is the question. His agent said he wants to work with Ancelotti and that would kill me, because I so much hate to see an ex-Arsenal player play for another English Premiership side. I may accept a departure, but not for another Premiership side. Now I’m not sure how he would perform if he stays. I mean, last season he failed to rediscover the form of the previous one but if he stays this summer, and, with the World Cup approaching, wel I believe he may positively surprise us.

That’s all for now, until next time, take care friends.

The Regulars

Almunia
Sagna - Gallas - New Signing - Clichy
New Signing
Arshavin - Fabregas - Nasri
Eduardo - Van Persie

The Backups (order in brackets)

Almunia: Fabianski(1), Mannone(2)
Sagna: Eboue(1), Silvestre(2)
Gallas and New Signing at the back: Song(1), Toure(2), Djourou(3), Silvestre(4)
Clichy: Gibbs(1), Silvestre(2), Eboue(3)
New Signing in midfield: Song(1), Denilson(2), Toure(3)
Arshavin: Walcott(1), Nasri(2), Rosicky(3)
Fabregas:
Nasri: Arshavin(1), Vela(2), Ramsey(3), Wilshere(4), Rosicky(5)
Eduardo, Van Persie: Vela(1), Bendtner(2), New Signing(3), Arshavin(4)

The Why: Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers-wise, we’re in safe hands(pun intended). Almunia may have that occassional bad game but he was very solid this year. As for Fabianski, he’s still young and will surely learn from the mistakes he made this season, so he’s the perfect backup.

The Why: Back Four

Now this is why in my previous article I said Silvestre should not be sold. He’s no good, I understand that, but as a third backup to all the positions at the back, I consider him a perfect choice. Toure and Song, in this formation, are no regulars, but believe me, that means nothing. They will be immediately taken in consideation in the case someone in either central defence or central midfield is injured or banned so they will see plenty of first-team action. Kolo has to change his mentality and understand he can be a good back-up in central midfield as well.

The Why: Midfield

The new signing in midfield, someone like Alonso or Barry(not necessary them of course, but this will help you understand the characteristics of the player I hope we sign) would of course provide the support Fabregas needs. He has to be a true holding midfielder, nothing fancy, but someone who can hit it from range. If he’s not available, again, Song can cover for that. Denilson can be the second backup, after Alex. The Brasilian played so much this season but never actually demonstrated he deserves to be a regular. Statistics say he was the 16th best player in the league, the same stats who think Berbatov has performed better than Torres so I think we should be realistic enough to admit it when a player is not good enough for the regular side.

On the wings there’s plenty of choice: Nasri, Walcott, Rosicky, Vela, Wilshere, Ramsey, you name it. I’m not really considering Tomas as strong favourite to start as nobody knows about his fitness level it seems.

If Cesc is injured, we’re screwed though, I can’t think of anyone who can provide back-up for him, he’s unique. I read comments that he wouldn’t make it in the first eleven with Barcelona. How rubbish is that? Did people forget how influential he was in the European Cup victory for Spain?

The Why: Strikers

Up front, this formation sees Robin teaming up with Eduardo, with Robin maybe sitting a little bit deeper. This of course means that we cannot play with a long-ball solution as there would be no Adebayor or Bendtner raising up in the air, but a very technical side requires no hit and hope solutions.

Having said that, if Robin is not available, Bendtner can be the one to provide support to the other striker. Nicklas is poor in front of goal but as a support to the first striker, he’s very good and if he plays, then yes, we may also opt for the occasional long ball for Nick to shield. If Eduardo is not available, Vela can be one who could play in that role as he’s excellent in finding the net but also - why not? - Arshavin. There’s so much choice on the wings in midfield that Andrei could be moved to a more offensive position.

This would see us have in Van Persie, Eduardo and Vela strikers who are good in finding the net and the only Bendtner as strong and dominant in the air. Am I promoting Nicklas to take over from the most-likely-to-leave Adebayor? Yes. But that would mean we would have to sign a new striker who is good in the air. Someone like Crouch maybe, if he’s ready to be a bench warmer.

Farewell to who?

I would sell Diaby and Adebayor. Unfortunately Diaby has been very poor this season and in midfield there’s plenty of choice. And Adebayor, well, I firmly believe this will be the summer he will leave. When Wenger spoke about Henry last week, he said he let him go because he was at Arsenal for a very long time and that otherwise he wouldn’t have let him go, reason why I believe Emmanuel asked for a transfer last summer but Wenger rejected. But things are different now.

Rumours are saying Eboue may leave but that would be a huge mistake as it would leave us with no proper back-up when Sagna is to be rested. And he can play in midfield as well.

Conclusion

So friends, we only need two signings, three if Adebayor leaves. One in central defense, one in central midfield. And full-stop. In a way or another, Denilson, Ramsey, Wilshere and Vela all have shown they can be the perfect reserves. Now when I say reserves, I’m noy saying seeing very little of action, I’m also talking abour rotation here, something Wenger, with the exception of the cups, rarely opts for. It would be nice, with the squad we may have, to see rotation also in the Premiership.

As for who are the players to sign, I don’t know. Transfer rumours linked more than 50 players with a “possible” move to Arsenal. I can tell you who it will not be: Yaya Toure. It’s hilarious how Arsenal fans could believe this player, who is on top of the world, playing with the best team in Europe could leave Spain and if he does, to join us. We need to be realistic.

EDIT as at 22/06: So Thomas Vermaelen signed, so that means the central defender I was hoping for has joined.

Of course there are many other scenarios we could discuss, such as what if Emmanuel stays and/or Gallas leaves? Well above I provided what I predict - or better hope - the Arsenal side to be next season. As always, be my guest and provide your views in the comments section, but keep it nice, don’t let the moderation plugin block your comments

So here we are. This concludes part 3 of my season review, which is also the last part. Many will be glad to see me vanish for a month or so but I’ll be back, starting from pre-season friendlies where I may also provide a report or two if the game is on telly.

Until next time, take care.

Needless to say, feel free to comment about this article and to post your personal ratings so as to able to compare them with each other. In my case, I didn’t keep a record of all the ratings I gave throughout the season so I have to rely on my memory, provided it still works as it should.

Manuel Almunia: Vote 7,5

Starting from the away game against Fenerbahce in the Champions League, Manuel showed character and the needed determination to consolidate himself as Arsenal’s #1. He may make the occassional mistake here and there but all keepers do and at the age of 32, you could say - for a goalkeeper - that he’s in the best shape of his career.

Lukasz Fabianski: Vote 5

Contrary to Almunia, you can see Fabiański is still learning his job and as much as we may not like to point fingers against our players, he’s responsible for our F.A. Cup defeat against Chelsea with that silly exit in the attempt to block Drogba. But he’s still young, only 24 and I’m more than sure in two or three years, he will no longer make such mistakes and will be our regular.

Bacary Sagna: Vote 6,5

By his standards, he had a very disappointing year. He made it in the Premiership’s best team last year and that came to no surprise considering how incredible his season has been. This year he struggled very, very much. A reason may of course be that almost all our problems struggled to settle down but after almost every Arsenal game, many were disappointed with his crosses which yes, unfortunately, have been terrible throughout.

Edit: After comments on the website, I realise Bacary deserves more for his work at the back, although I stand by what I said on his offensive play.

Kolo Toure: Vote 6

If he wanted to leave in January, there had to be a reason. Problems with Gallas saw the former captain not enjoying himself anymore although in the last part of the season, he started to show a glimpse of the brilliance which made him a fan-favourite. To his defence, he rarely had the same partner alongside him, it was either Silvestre, or Gallas or Djourou, definitely not easy.

William Gallas: Vote 6,5

I think what was said on Toure can be applied to Gallas as well. Contrary to Kolo though, he was involved in a number of incidents which saw Wenger take away his captaincy. However, despite that, Billy kept on performing well, like a true professional and in a way, our slim hopes of winning something died when he suffered that nasty injury. Can’t however take away from him some mistakes which cost us dearly at the start of the season.

Mikael Silvestre: Vote 4

How could Manchester United get rid of one of their players, was the question almost everyone asked when he joined. At the end of the season, we knew the answer, although it was not hard to realise why. Slow and uncomfortable in almost anything he does, he’s been a big liability to the side. But, I would keep him, more on that in part 3.

Johan Djourou: Vote 5

There was a lot of high hopes for the Swiss Internatinal but due to injury problems and due to the fact that he didn’t play a lot, it seems he never really fulfilled those expectations.

Gael Clichy: Vote 6

Not the best of seasons but just like Gallas and without taking anything away from Gibbs, we struggled when he was sidelined in the last part of the season. Having said that, he was also very disappointing in the first part of the year, I remember that game against Hull where he was completely torn apart by Mendy. But he also had super games like when we faced Manchester United at the Emirates, a game where he gave nothing away to Ronaldo.

Kieran Gibbs: Vote 6,5

We couldn’t have asked for a better substitute to Clichy but as much as he impressed in the last months of the season, he felt the pressure in the first minutes of the two Champions League games against Manchester United, slipping twice, with the second one killing all our hopes to progress. But he’s still young of course and the best backup in that position ahead of next season.

Alexandre Song: Vote 8

After the away game at Kiev, I awarded him the man of the match award but then he faded away a little only to come back strongly in the last months of the season. And what a comeback! He performed brilliantly both as central midfielder and at the back. Also, despite his young age, he has the experience of those old defenders who know when it’s time to commit a foul, even if it means getting a yellow. A pleasant surprise this year.

Abou Diaby: Vote 4

Granted, he suffered injuries and so on but he was shocking this year. In almost all games, he didn’t seem to know what he was supposed to do, regardless where he played. The reason why Wenger kept on insisting with him beats me.

Cesc Fabregas: Vote 5,5

I would have expected much more from our captain. I understand he suffered an injury which kept him out for a long time but before that his performances were unacceptable. He looked tired, almost uninterested, maybe the hangover from the European Cup triumph. After the injury he did produce magic immediately from the first game but then again faded away. Not sure if the reason is the midfield around him, what he spoke about in an interview at the start of the season.

Samir Nasri: Vote 7

His first year at Arsenal was superb. Like Song, one of the few players who can actually smile when looking back at his season. Unfortunately, the experiment of playing him as central midfielder failed but he’s terrific on the wings and like the rest of the pack, will be hungry for more next year.

Denilson: Vote 5,5

Regulars of the website will know I don’t rate him high enough to be a regular, to be one of the men who played most games for us. The statistics may dress him up as the holding midfielder every top European team wants to have but all I saw, over and over again, is a weak youngster who gives the ball away cheaply, in dangerous areas and doesn’t backtrack to make up for the mistake. Will he be good someday? Of course, but this wasn’t supposed to be his season and away games against Manchester City and Aston Villa clearly showed why.

Aaron Ramsey: No Vote

I will not give a vote to those who didn’t play enough and Aaron is one of them. I honestly can’t determine how good he is, not yet at least. The Carling Cup and the away game in the Champions League against Fenerbahce may say he’s good, very good, but way too many times, when he was used, he kept the ball way too long, rather than passing it, maybe to impress but in that case, how can you blame him? He thought he could be a regular, instead …

Jack Wilshere: No Vote

Liam Brady said the kid will be good and good he will be! In the Carling Cup but also with the youth side he was simply amazing and his goal against Stoke City is one of the best goals we saw this season. A shame we didn’t see more of him with the first team as the kid is full of confidence and not shy to challenge in any way.

Emmanuel Eboue: 5

Strange season for Emmanuel. The boo-boys didn’t help, he looked devastated on that day but in a way recovered well from that. Unfortunately the midfield is not really his preferred position so I hope to see more of him in the Sagna position when the Frenchman will need a rest.

Amaury Bischoff: No Vote

Brough by Wenger as a mystery signing. Many believe he will leave and so do I. He’s not as patient as Ramsey and Vela, he knows he’s good and wants action, not bench time. In the few occassions I saw him play, I was impressed.

Eduardo: No Vote

He didn’t play much, did he? In the few occasions when he was involved, he delighted us with some incredible tricks and goals and seems to team-up well with Carlos Vela. He just underwent more surgery, let’s just hope it’s nothing serious.

Robin Van Persie: 7

Awful start to the season but at the end of 2008 and start of 2009 he was simply unstoppable. The goals against Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton show how needed he is for this Arsenal side. He was disappointing from set-pieces and faded in the last part of the season and that worries me, his inconsistency.

Carlos Vela: No Vote

Too little, just like Ramsey. All I know is that in the little time he was used he hit a hat-trick, scored six goals in all and provided three assists. He’s fast, his first touch is top-class and above everything else, he’s damn creative in front of goal, something almost all other strikers - with the exception of Eduardo - lack. Some may say he’s not strong enough as statistics show that as he’s the most fouled player of the season but that’s not because he’s not strong, that’s because fouling him is the only way to take the ball off his feet.

Theo Walcott: 6

Theo also suffered a number of injuries which prevented him from having a good season but when he was involved, he showed those limitations when having to deliver the final ball which you may wonder when he will overcome.

Emmanuel Adebayor: 4

My conclusion on Emmanuel is that he wanted to leave last summer, the club forced him to stay and therefore he was upset from the first to the last day of the season. Some amazing goals such as the one against Villareal clearly show that when he meant business, he delivered.

Nicklas Bendtner: 7

Some insist on saying he’s no good, too wasteful but ultimately, I don’t see him as a pure striker, he’s more of a support to someone like Eduardo. He was amazing also when played on the right this season and one of the few who actually tried hard whenever involved.

Andrei Arshavin: 8

The “8″ is not a “9″ or “10″ because he only played half-a-season but anything he tried and touched during the last six months turned to gold. He’s fast, can delivery crosses, can win penalties and can score. And he’s also not shy to express his feelings although maybe he should discuss that with the club rather than talking to the media.

Summary

Our top fives players - for me of course - have been Almunia, Song, Nasri, Robin and Arshavin. Those who really disappointed are Fabianski, Silvestre, Denilson, Diaby and Adebayor although others follow closely.

And this concludes part 2 of a three-part season review. In Part 3 I will talk about who we shall keep and who we shall sell of the players I mentioned above. In the meantime, feel free to comment on this part. But remember, keep it nice so as we can live happily ever after.

I don’t know if that fan who after the 1-2 Chelsea win approached Wenger saying “We will never win the League” is a prophet or anything like that, but unfortunately he was spot on, on what our campaign was going to be.

Very little done to solve problems

Speaking of that away win at Stamford Bridge, that was one of the reasons why we didn’t win anything this year. It was a lucky win, almost all of it gifted by Mike Dein and had Lampard scored a glorious opportunity when we were trailing, we would have definitely lost that one. Now usually, and this is why I’m saying that was one of the reasons why we didn’t lift any trophies, after such a game you sit down, you thank the Lord for a win you didn’t deserve and try to analyse why things are not working out.

Instead, that didn’t happen. With the only exception of Arshavin - which let’s face it, was an emergency signing - we kept on playing with the same faces, over and over again, and when we reached the knockout stages of competitions, a stage where a 3-0 defeat away at Manchester City cannot be “cancelled out” by a 1-2 away win against Chelsea - we were completely outclassed and outplayed by our opponents. I’m not saying Ramsey, Vela, Wilshere, Bischoff or any other youngster would have helped us win a cup had they played more, but it would have meant trying to actually do something against problems in midfield, an area where we struggled a lot this season.

I mean, I may understand Wenger’s policy not to sign players because he believes in the youngsters but sometimes I wonder how much he believes in them. I’m sure Aaron Ramsey and Carlos Vela felt miserable when they saw Wenger pick Diaby to play on the left, a player who had a poor season regardless where he played. So where is all this belief in the young ones?

Gallas and the captaincy

For a number of incidents which happened during the season, with his public attack on the team being the main one - William was stripped of his captaincy role, a role which was then given to Cesc Fabregas. We all love Cesc, but you need character to captain a top European side, especially one like the Arsenal and I’m afraid Cesc is too young for that. Maybe it was a desperate move by Wenger to keep the Spaniard at the Emirates but even if he was having a horrid time when all this happened, I believe Toure would have been a better option and if not him, Almunia.

Injuries and more injuries

For many, Rosicky and Eduardo had to be our “true signings” for the year but we saw very little of the Croatian and none of the Czech star. Also, Fabregas, Walcott and Gallas suffered long-term injuries and so did van Persie, Adebayor and others although the extent of their injury was not as serious as the other three. Of course, when you lack in depth just like the Arsenal squad, facing injuries can turn out into a nightmare although to be completely honest, Cesc was not having the best of seasons before being sidelined.

Hopefully, now that many of our youngsters experienced first-team football, they will provide the depth in the squad we will be needing when suspensions and/or injuries will hit us next year.

The good and bad of the 4-4 wins

The four all draw against Spurs is definitely one of the must-forget chapters of this season, contrary to the one at Anfield six months after that which of course is a must-remember chapter. The derby was a game no-one expected us not to win after taking a 4-2 lead but when you have Silvestre playing as centre-back, I’m afraid anything can happen. Arshavin, on the other hand, wrote history by netting four at the “you never walk alone” stadium, something which other players don’t even dream about and now that I think of it, Silvestre was part of the back four that night as well.

Arshavin

Speaking of the Russian, well indeed, he’s one of the best things which happened to us this year. I was disappointed when Wenger went for the Russian instead of a central midfield which we so much needed but magic from Andrey made me realise how special he is and of course, how special he can be next season.

Van Persie

Another major moment of the 2008/2009 season was Van Persie in January. Many are divided on the future of Robin, some want him to stay whilst some would not feel upset if he leaves but what he did in January was pure class, especially the goal away at Everton which I strongly consider as a turning point into the season. Had we lost that game, not sure if we would have ended fourth. Unfortunately, however, yes, Robin lacks consistency but who didn’t lack in that this year?

The Carling Cup

Despite the premature exit from it, this was the only competition where the fans and the players were relaxed and really enjoying themselves. How to forget the memorable party-mood night at the Emirates when we hit three past Wigan? We also understood the potential of the likes of Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, all who hopefully will have a long career at our club.

Part 2 and 3

This has been part 1 of a three-part season review. In Part 2 I will rate the players on their season performance and on part 3 I will try and analyse what signings - both in and out - this Arsenal team needs to be competitive next season.

Until then, take care.