Ranking the Best and Worst Moments of Abou Diaby's Arsenal Career

After nine-and-a-half years, Abou Diaby's Arsenal career is finally over.

After his contract expired on June 30, Arsene Wenger finally relinquished his grasp on his midfield protege. As much as everyone wanted Diaby to prove his fitness, it simply wasn't possible for him to demonstrate he could be an effective squad option on a regular basis.

In this piece, we count down the three highest and lowest points of Diaby's turbulent Arsenal career.

3rd Worst: An Unwanted Landmark in August 2014

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

In July 2014, Diaby suffered a hip injury in a pre-season friendly against New York Red Bulls. Remarkably, it was the 40th injury of his time with the Gunners.

It was a particularly bad blow for the Frenchman because this was the season in which he needed to prove he was worthy of a new deal. He had returned from a separate injury to play in the final game of the 2013/14 campaign, so to start the following campaign with such misfortune was a huge setback.

Given that this was the most critical season of Diaby's career, yet another injury seemed to confirm his fate. The consequence was that he made just one senior appearance in the course of 2014/15.

2nd Worst: Another Injury Setback in 2012

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Never was Abou Diaby's potential more clear than in the autumn of 2012. He started Arsenal's first three league games of the season, with a string of outstanding performances seeing him heralded as the missing piece in Arsenal's midfield jigsaw.

However, an untimely injury setback curtailed his progress and hurt Arsenal enormously in the process. This was the point when Arsene Wenger must have realised he could not build his team around the Frenchman. Instead, Aaron Ramsey became the box-to-box midfielder and Diaby became the forgotten man of the Arsenal squad.

Worst: Dan Smith's Tackle in 2006

TOM HEVEZI/Associated Press

Within just a few months of joining Arsenal, Abou Diaby suffered the injury that arguably resulted in his injury woes. A mistimed lunge from Sunderland youngster Dan Smith fractured the Frenchman's ankle and left him with repercussions that would haunt him over the next decade.

Diaby must frequently wonder what might have been were it not for that appalling tackle. It was this moment that changed the trajectory of his entire career, and for that reason it has to be ranked as his worst moment in an Arsenal shirt.

3rd Best: Goal vs. Aston Villa, December 2008

Clive Mason/Getty Images

If ever a single goal showcased what Abou Diaby could do, it was this one.

After a beautiful backheel on the halfway line, Diaby surged down the pitch, playing a one-two with Emmanuel Eboue before clipping over the advancing goalkeeper.

It was a goal of breathtaking imagination and remarkable athletic prowess. This devastating showcase was a tantalising glimpse of Diaby's potential. At this point, it seemed as if it were still possible for him to fully recover his powers.

2nd Best: A Stunning Solo Performance at Anfield, 2012

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Diaby enjoyed a solid pre-season in 2012, and his start to the campaign was superb. Rarely did he put in a more complete performance than the one he produced at Anfield on September 2. Diaby was magnificent, turning away from opposition midfielders with ease and launching countless counter-attacks.

Sadly, his renaissance would be short-lived—another injury was just around the corner. The Liverpool performance was astonishing but also tragically anonymous. Even Diaby's best moments were tinged with regret.

Best: The Carling Cup Final, 2007

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Although Arsenal ultimately lost the 2007 Carling Cup final, it was memorable for an outstanding display from a young Abou Diaby—and not just for the fact that he nearly decapitated John Terry.

Playing from the left side of midfield, Diaby was almost unstoppable, barrelling past experienced players such as Michael Essien with ease. At this point, the long-term problems caused by his ankle injury were unclear, and it appeared as if Arsenal had a real force on their hands.

This was the high point of Diaby's Arsenal career: At this stage, anything seemed achievable.

What was your favourite Diaby moment? Let us know below.