Now that we are at the end of the year, I thought I’d go with a slightly different approach of reviewing 2011 for Arsenal. Instead of doing a full on review, going month by month, I thought it would be more fun and interesting to turn the review into an Awards themed blog.
I’m sure I won’t be the only person doing this, but allow me to introduce my version of the Arsenal Awards 2011!
Champagne Moment
Andrei Arshavin v Barcelona
Not only the Champagne Moment of 2011, but also a serious contender for Goal of the Year too. With eight minutes left in the opening leg of the Champions League First Round knockout tie at home against Barcelona, the eventual Champions, Arsenal scored the winner of a thrilling match.
The ball went from our box to theirs in just over 10 seconds, as passes between Nicklas Bendtner, Jack Wilshere and Cesc Fabregas sliced open the world class Barcelona midfield. Samir Nasri’s eventual cut back was met by Arshavin, who delightfully finished from just inside the penalty area. A sensational goal, duly dubbed a “Barcelona goal from Arsenal”. And I don’t think there was a better moment for Arsenal in 2011.
Honourable mention for this category goes to John Terry falling flat on his face, as Robin van Persie ran clear to put Arsenal 4-3 up at Stamford Bridge. Still funny. Will be for years.
@87andyheron87: Moment; Arshavin's goal vs Barca! The feeling that gave me was sheer ecstasy! Undeniably, one of the best moments EVER!..
@gforrest1985: Arshavin against Barcelona, no competition, the game that truly baptised the grove and be remembered for years to come.
Match of the Year
Arsenal v Barcelona - 16th February 2011 - Champions League First Round Knockout First Leg
It was a win that before the game seemed improbable; and at half time seemed impossible. But Arsenal showed that on our day we are capable of beating anyone on the 16th February 2011, coming from behind to beat the eventual Champions League winners Barcelona 2-1, in the opening leg of the First Round Knockout tie at the Emirates Stadium.
Barcelona literally annihilated us in the first half, and David Villa scored the goal to put them 1-0 up at half time. Arsenal looked lost, and it seemed there would be no way back; Barcelona were in total control, and it was a near miracle that we were only one down at the break.
But then something happened… Attacking substituions were made, and we reaped the reward. Robin van Persie scored from an impossible angle in the 78th minute, and then Arshavin won it with a sensational goal in the 83rd, as described in the award above. We held our nerve in the final few minutes, and got the win that no one expected us to get.
To show just how incredible this win really was, it must also be noted that it was Barcelona’s only defeat in the competition that season. And also, their club record of 16 straight wins in La Liga was ended just a few days before. They were in imperious form, and we beat them.
Another notable mention goes to Arsenal’s excellent 5-3 win away at Chelsea in November. After an impressive run of form against lower positioned opposition, the test at Stamford Bridge provided a perfect chance to prove we were still up there with the League’s top dogs, after a hideous start to the season. A devastating second half performance saw us run in four goals, and batter our London rivals. There is still a delicious taste in my mouth from this game. Long may it linger.
@1979gooner: best match win at home to barca, arshavin's goal, the emirates was on fire with passion
@afc_zohan: it's gotta be that glorious night in feb when @Persie_Official scored against Barca. Happy days
Young Player of the Year
Wojciech Szczesny
After years of damning goalkeepers, continued speculation, and genuine frustration, Arsenal now finally has a keeper we can rely on between our posts. 2011 has been the year that Szczesny has established himself not only as Arsenal’s number one, but also as one of the best young goalkeepers in the game.
Admittedly his game isn’t yet complete; he still likes to run wildly off his line at times, and has also been prone to the odd mistake. But so has every goalkeeper who has ever played. It also bodes well when legendary keeper Bob Wilson says that the young keeper is “as valuable as van Persie” – not a statement to take lightly.
All in all, he’s the most consistent goalkeeper we’ve had since David Seaman. And at the tender age of 21, there’s plenty more to expect from Wojciech. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and clearly loves the club. I hope he’s around for many years to come.
Low Point of the Year
Carling Cup Final defeat to Birmingham City - 27th February 2011
Sadly this year has provided more than one low point. It’s painful to review, but important at the same time in order to maintain some elements of realism, balance, and perspective when reviewing Arsenal’s year.
There have been some horrible moments; throwing away a 4-0 half time lead to draw 4-4 away at Newcastle, which ultimately began a lacklustre run of form which cost us a trophy last season. Losing 8-2 away at Man United; not necessarily most devastating because of the result, but because of the arguing, fall outs and terrible online behaviour from a large amount of Gooners after it.
But the ultimate low point of the year was losing the game we were never expected to lose – the 2011 Carling Cup Final.
It was surely to be the end of the on-going trophy drought, that had haunted us for six long years. In form Arsenal against lowly Birmingham City. Title hunters against relegation battlers. But from watching the game, you’d be forgiven for confusing which team went with which tag. Injuries to Fabregas and Theo Walcott were obvious concerns pre-match, but that was nothing compared to the heartbreak felt in the 89th minute, when a mix up between Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny allowed Birmingham substitute Obafemi Martins to roll the ball into an empty net. Birmingham won the trophy, and Arsenal went on to complete another trophy less season. Agony.
@saif_1j: Maybe Newcastle away was the lowest point? Was a sign of bad things coming our way.
Flop of the Year
Marouane Chamakh
It’s definitely been a year to forget for Marouane Chamakh. Only two goals so far this season, and not a lot more to shout about at the back end of last season. Giving him Flop of the Year is a harsh thing to do, though. He puts a decent amount of effort in, which is obvious to see whenever he comes off the bench. But for some reason, it’s just not happening for him, and hasn’t for some while. Even a couple of goals for his native Morocco in a recent International break didn’t seem to do the trick.
As he’s off at the African Cup of Nations in January, it appears unlikely that he’ll leave the club in January. But recent quotes do imply that he’ll consider his position more once the season’s over. Personally, I’d be shocked if he’s still at the club come the start of next season. All we can do in the mean time is hope that he makes the most of the CAN, gets some game time, confidence, and comes back and isn’t a flop in 2012. He’s not a bad player, just needs to show us this on the pitch.
@mj_afc: (Chamakh) easily our worst player. 2 poxy goals v Orient and Blackburn!
@dataevent: flop is Gervinho's dodgy comb forward. Shocking.
Player of the Year
Robin van Persie
Who else? 34 goals this calendar year, and needing two to equal Alan Shearer’s Premier League record with one game to play, against QPR on Saturday. Of those 34, several have been match winning goals, including games away at Chelsea and Norwich, home to Sunderland and Everton, just to name a few.
But it’s not only his goals that have made RVP our Player of the Year – it’s also been his leadership. With Fabregas departing over the summer for the sunnier skies of the Catalan region, van Persie stepped up to captain the side. A lot of people had doubts about whether or not he had the potential to become a decent captain. But he’s proved them wrong, led by example and this Arsenal side now have the best team spirit I’ve seen for a few years. All in all, it’s been a year to remember for RVP.
If he can maintain his form, and most crucially his fitness, in 2012, then I’m positive we won’t have to wait long to win that coveted trophy.
@pietervdl: if Chuck Norris were a goalkeeper, even he would wet his pants facing RVP
@MTCooper1: he has 34 league goals in one year, that’s more than Thierry Henry, arguably our best player ever. That says something!
Most Improved Player of the Year
Alex Song
Several players have improved enough to be worthy of winning this gong. Notable mentions must go to Laurent Koscielny, who has now established himself as one of the most consistent centre backs in the Premier League, and in the past year has collected the likes of Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko into his back pocket at some point. Aaron Ramsey has also made a spectacular return to the squad after his injury. Especially with Jack Wilshere out injured, he’s one of Arsenal’s most consistently creative midfielders, and has filled into the vacant Fabregas role with aplomb.
But Most Improved Player of the Year goes to Alex Song. After a slow start to life at the club, subject to boos in 2006 away at Fulham, sent on loan to Charlton with some never expecting to see him again, he’s now very much a fundamental part of Arsenal’s team. Some might even say the second name on the team sheet, behind captain van Persie.
Very much an unsung hero (no pun intended), he never gets the glamorous headlines due to his goals and assists (although his handy piece of work against Dortmund shows he is more than capable of providing), but he’s a bloody hard worker, and a very consistent midfield anchor on the pitch. The sort of player you notice more when he’s not playing, than when he is. Arsenal’s win percentage with Alex Song is over 60%. Without him, it’s down towards 30%. This goes some way towards showing just how important he is to the squad. Far more so than he was this time last year. And he’s my Most Improved Player because of it.
@Matt_USGooner: Most improved player has to go to Mr. Song. Considered Theo, but Song has really stepped up this year.
@MilesCrallan: Most improved has to be Koscielny. Maturing into a top class center back. Hasn't really put a foot wrong this season.
@seanchief: the Kos has to be up for an award. An unsung hero at the back this season. Verminator's right hand man.
Embarrassment of the Year
Peter Hill-Wood at Arsenal's AGM
In case you can’t remember, allow me to set the mood of the Arsenal AGM at the end of October. The first two months of Arsenal’s season had seen an 8-2 defeat at Man United, a 4-3 defeat at Blackburn, and defeats to rivals Liverpool and Sp*rs. We sold two of our best players over the summer, and still had £50m in the bank. Some ludicrous fans were calling for Wenger’s head. The others were trying to prove that not all Gooners are senseless. We had a new Owner who was assumed to be a mute. And little did we know, we were at the time three games into an unbeaten run that would make the above seem more bearable, and elevate us back into contention for a Champions League Qualifying place.
The AGM was turned sour by Chairman Peter Hill-Wood’s abundant lack of respect for the supporters of the club. For the first time ever, only pre-submitted questions were allowed for his Q&A session. And Hill-Wood’s responses were totally unconvincing, often completely avoiding the question, or rambling something off a piece of paper. This led to boos, heckling, and shouts of “answer the question” from those present at the AGM. Hardly a moment of strength of character from the Arsenal Chairman. In fact, a very embarrassing moment for him. Ironically, we haven’t heard too much from him since.
Save of the Year
Wojciech Szczesny v Udinese
I’ve already highlighted what a great year Szczesny’s had. But The Arsenal goalkeepers deserve their own award for ‘Save of the Year’. I say goalkeepers, as obviously if it was purely a ‘Wojciech Save of the Year’, it would be a bit biased. Notable non-serious mention to Vito Mannone, for his attempted “save” when he came on against Olympiacos in the Champions League group stage final fixture. But less about that, this is a serious award.
And it goes to Wojciech Szczesny, for his brilliant penalty save in the Champions League Qualifier second leg against Udinese. It was 1-1 in the game, and Udinese needed two goals to send Arsenal into the Europa League. They won a penalty just before the hour mark, which Antonio Di Natale blasted towards the top left hand corner. Szczesny was equal to it though, with an awesome save palming it over the bar.
It was not only a very good save itself, but an incredibly important one too. Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1, and go through 3-1 on aggregate. Udinese are a very decent team, currently sitting third in Serie A. It was the hardest draw we could possibly get, and many people wrote us off before the game begun. But in true Arsenal spirit, we dug deep and got through. Szczeny’s save was at large a key factor in this.
Rising Star
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
There’s a never-ending supply of talent that emerges from the Arsenal youth system year after year. 2011 has been about the rise of three prodigies, two from the Arsenal youth system, and one signed from Southampton.
The notable mentions for this go to Francis Coquelin, and Emmanuel Frimpong. Two tough central midfielders, with very promising futures ahead. Both have been bit part players this season, but have also both shown glimpses of what they are capable of. Coquelin is assured and smart; Frimpong is hard and demanding. They’re both very different types of central midfielder, and I’d like to think they both have big futures at the club. Coquelin spent last season out on loan at French side Lorient, and I think Frimpong could use some similar experience for the second half of the 2011/12 season. Hopefully with the similar sort of impact that Wilshere’s loan to Bolton this time two years ago provided.
But the Rising Star for me is The Ox. His first team chances have been few and far between, but his appearances in the League Cup and Champions League have been extremely promising. And he’s already bagged himself a goal in each competition. He has explosive pace, strength and determination, and under Arsene Wenger’s stewardship he is surely destined for great things. Wenger himself has said that he’ll give The Ox more chances at the beginning of 2012. We’re all keen to see what he’s capable of.
Goal of the Year
Robin van Persie - Arsenal v Everton - 10th December 2011
It was tough to not give this to Arshavin, for his goal against Barcelona. That felt more fitting for the Champagne Moment. So instead, I give you Robin van Persie’s masterful strike against Everton, only a couple of weeks ago. Not through laziness of not being bothered to research other possible contenders. Merely because it was technically one of the best goals you’ll see for a while.
The scene was set. Arsenal’s 125 year Anniversary celebrations. Legends from all generations in the house. Club record goal scorer looking on from the stands. And Arsenal, struggling to get past a resilient Everton defence.
Alex Song once again showed his creative side, with a delightful chip through the middle. Van Persie let the ball drop over his shoulders, to volley it home into the far corner. Technically one of the hardest things you can do in the game. And he made it look simple. A magnificent goal, worthy of any occasion. Arsenal always put on a good show when the spotlight is on. Robin van Persie provided the moment that gave us more than one reason to cheer on our 125th Anniversary.
Signing of the Year
Mikel Arteta
It was another year of madness for Arsenal in the transfer market. January was a quiet month, with no serious ins or outs happening. But it all kicked off in the summer. Fabregas and Nasri forced their way out of the Emirates in harsh, but not wholly different, circumstances. Those who came in from abroad were forced with an arduous task of settling in and adapting to the Premier League game as quickly as possible. It took a while, but finally the likes of Per Mertesacker, Gervinho, Andre Santos and Carl Jenkinson all look comfortable, and important parts of the squad (when they’re not injured).
But it’s no doubt that the key signing of the year has been Mikel Arteta. Unfairly labelled as Cesc’s replacement when he first joined on deadline day, Arteta is now part of a very impressive midfield combo, alongside the much improved Song and Ramsey.
Arteta might not be as creative or easy on the eye as the likes of Fabreagas, or even Wilshere. He offers something else. Drive, determination and passion, and vast experience of the English game. He also understands that the need of the team is far greater than that of his own (*cough* Samir). Arteta is happy to sit back when the likes of Song, or even Vermaelen want to push forward. He won’t bag the amount of assists that Cesc got, or that Ramsey or Wilshere will get. But he will sit in that midfield trio, dictate the tempo of the play, and provide the link to get the ball forward as quickly, and dangerously, as possible.
There are a lot of people who still don’t quite value Arteta as highly as he deserves. Next time you’re at a game, watch him. His movement, his passing, his attitude. It’s everything we want in the Arsenal midfield. And I’m bloody glad we signed him.
@MTCooper1: Arteta signing of the season do far, fitted in seamlessly with the squad
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