Arsenal: Rating the Individual Performances of the Players So Far
Any Arsenal fan will know that this season has not been a normal season for the gunners. This season has been filled with ups and downs, smiles and cries, injuries and recoveries and most importantly better assurance of a title.
Even though the title hopes may have dwindled, one can't say Arsenal players haven't played there part this season. Every player has been a key figure for the team either in a bad or good way. So, I'm using this opportunity to rate the performances of the players in all competitions. Sit back and enjoy!!
Manuel Almunia:6.5
1 of 22
The spaniard was quite lucky that Arsene Wenger didn't sell him after a poor performance last season. At the beginning of this season, Almunia shocked everyone by making series of good saves which left him with support from Arsenal fans and a much-needed confidence.
Anyway, this brilliant start was overshadowed by a goalkeeping error he made against West Brom leading to a goal, a game Arsenal lost 3-2. He also got injured and was sidelined. Things got worse for him when Fabianski started putting up brilliant performances. One might have thought his career was over, even rumors of a january transfer were in the minds of everyone.
Once again, Almunia proved himself worthy after replacing an injured Sczesny in the Champions league tie with Barcelona. His quick reflexes and saves saved Arsenal from a huge humiliation in the Nou Camp. He also put up a world class performance against Manchester United to leave the game at 2-0 in favor of man utd.
Drawbacks: His error in the game against West Brom really brought Arsenal fans against him. The mistake was a mistake similar to some of his errors last season. It was all about the same "mishandling as he allowed a shot from Jerome Thomas to deflect of his hands after positioning himself to catch the ball.
Lukasz Fabianski:7.5
2 of 22
Fabianski has simply shocked everyone this season. If anyone had watched him last season, him/her would have totally written him off. Almunia's injury came as a blessing as the magnificent Fabianski came into the limelight.
Fabianski's performance this season has been nothing short of excellent. His amazing saves and his composure in front of goal made him the first choice keeper. His performances against Chelsea, Cluj and Manchester City were world class. The highlight of the Cluj match was the penalty he saved from Cleo and he denied David Silva a close range goal against man city after he made a swift reflex save.
Unluckily for him, he's been ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Drawbacks: His season long injury has ruled out of any Arsenal game and so Arsenal will have to complete the season without the reflexes of the Pole.
Wojciech Szczesny:8
3 of 22
Wojo, where did you come from? who are you? and WHY ARE YOU SUCH A TALENT? These where the questions that passed through everyone's minds when this young lad started standing in between the posts.
Wojo, who like Fabianski is a Pole has made it clear to everyone that he's not okay with being a reserve or even a substitute keeper. He's definitely proven that he's first team material. His surprising confidence despite his young age (19) and his towering height has made keeping a lot easier for him. In fact Wenger had said earlier that Wojo was currently the first choice goalie. He was brilliant in Arsenal's 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle earlier in the season, making a stunning save to deny Alan Smith his first goal for the club
Anyway a finger injury he received playing against Barca has earned six weeks on the sidelines. He got the injury after saving a Dani Alves free kick. Yes I know, he's really good!
Drawbacks: He's young and still needs more experience to be more adept with his goalkeeping skills. I'm not saying he's not good enough, but experience will make him even better. Also his error with Koscielny in the Carling Cup final cost Arsenal the trophy. This was simply lack of communication, something a more experienced goalkeeper would have handled better
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Bacary Sagna:7
4 of 22
Probably one of the best right backs in the EPL, Sagna has been an integral part of the Arsenal team. His attacking prowess and defensive work rate has made him a favorite amongst the Arsenal fans.
His crosses from the wings have provided more opportunities for Arsenal in front of goal, even though at times they are wasted by the Arsenal forwards. He is also good defensively and his blistering pace gives him an edge almost over all wingers.
Drawbacks: At times, he doesn't return back to defense fast enough when Arsenal are being counter attacked.
Emmanuel Eboue:6
5 of 22
Probably the biggest fan favorite, Eboue who doesn't get much playing time still manages to put in his best each time he's giving playing opportunity. He's often seen on the bench cheering the whole team and giving orders.
In the games he has featured in, his performance has been quite good, especially the champions league tie with Barca (1st leg). He, just like Sagna helps tremendously in the attack with penetrating runs and swerving crosses.
Drawbacks: He often leaves his man free and the centre backs are forced to do his job. Also, he often tends to lose the ball carelessly to the opponent when on the attack.
Laurent Koscielny:7
6 of 22
At a point in the beginning of the season, Arsenal fans thought he was a flop, but he proved the critics wrong.
Despite his lack of size, Koscielny has managed to keep up with the physicality of the EPL. His pinpoint tackles have been much needed in Arsenal's campaign and just like Gallas, he's been effective in corners. In fact, Wenger has recently been pushing him up front when Arsenal needed goals and he been doing a good job in the opposing team's eighteen.
In the game against Man Utd, he had gone on a counter attack with the team and nearly scored. He was denied by Van Der Sar.
Also his partnership with Johan Djorou has been excellent. They both seem comfortable when they play together.
Drawbacks: If Djorou doesn't play alongside him, he tends to step down his game. He definitely doesn't partner well with Squillaci, it was obvious from the game against Fulham, where Squillaci collided with him, therefore leading to a Fulham goal and Koscielny earning a concussion. Also Koscielny can be careless with his tackles and is often booked for an avoidable tackle. He even got a red card on his debut against Liverpool.
Johan Djorou:8
7 of 22
The Swiss has been a revelation this season for Arsenal. After a long-term knee injury, Djourou came back and shocked everyone with brilliant displays of defensive abilities.
His game against Chelsea(2nd leg) was a world-class performance as he made Drogba unnoticeable in the game. His work rate is high and contagious, that's why you notice Koscielny playing well when they are partnered together.
He's also confident with the ball and never runs out of ideas, no matter the situation. Anyway, his season has been brought to an abrupt end after dislocating his shoulder against Man Utd in the FA cup.
Drawbacks: He's out for the rest of the season and it may affect the team's performance.
Sebastian Squillaci:5
8 of 22
Not impressive! Squillaci has had a bad season so far at Arsenal. He has not gotten used to the style of the EPL and so at times is easily outclassed by opponents.
His age too isn't on his side. Currently 31, Squillaci must have counted himself lucky after Djourou broke his shoulder, because that means he gets playing time which many Arsenal fans are not keen about. Anyway, he offers experience to the defence and that can be crucial.
Drawbacks: He's too rough, and so he tends to get sent off in many situations. Also he normally dribbled with ease, this was clear in the game against Leyton Orient (1st leg). He has a lot to work on.
Gael Clichy:6.5
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As everyday goes by, it seems as if Clichy gets better and better. He's definitely cemented his spot in the first team. he can make fearless tackles and runs faster than almost any winger. Theo walcott once said, "Apart from me, I think Clichy is the fastest man on the team". That explains a lot.
Clichy has had his moments this season and has had his downfalls. He still tends to be outclassed by some players he's definitely superior to. For example, the game against Sunderland saw him being tortured by the Beninise man Sessegnon.
Anyway, currently being the longest serving gunner, Clichy has given the young Arsenal team a much-needed experience. Just like Sagna, he too has also aided the sttack on numerous occasions.
He scored his second goal for the club against Leyton Orient after blasting home a cross from Sagna.
Drawbacks: He conceeds a lot of fouls and it's a normal thing for him to get booked in most games.
Kieran Gibbs:6.5
10 of 22
Each time I watch him play, the first person that comes to my mind is Ashley Cole. Gibbs definitely has talent and has shown a lot of promise in the number of times he has played. The penalty he earned against Leyton Orient resulted from his brilliant footwork, beating off a defender and getting fouled by the next defender.
Kieran still has a lot of time to develop his game and he'll certainly be a great Arsenal player.
Drawbacks: Like I said he's too young and has a lot to learn. For the time being, I don't see him displacing Clichy from the first team. He still has a long way to go.
Alexander Song:8.5
11 of 22
He has been the engine of the Arsenal midfield and without him, I don't think Arsenal would have been contending for the premier league trophy. He's been very useful to the back four with his unending pressure on the opposing teams attack and his precise tackles.
Not only has he been strong defensively but also very efficient in the attack, something not very common with defensive midfielders. He has netted 5 and assisted five this season, quite impressive! His current injury has seen Arsenal backpedal in form. He's certainly needed if Arsenal want to win the EPL.
Drawbacks: Just like every defensive midfielder, he gets booked all the time for rough tackles. This affected him in the 1st leg against Barca where he had to play with the burden of a yellow card. He got subbed early in the second half.
Denilson:6
12 of 22
I don't know when he's going to show his true talents. Denilson has not had the best of seasons. Even though at times he shows promise but just he deletes that hope with a poor performance the following game.
Well, this doesn't mean he hasn't played well for the club. He's made some good tackles and is always spotted in front of the Arsenal defense, never trying to risk going forward. Anyway, he still has a lot to learn and certainly can't fill in Song's shoes.
Drawbacks: He still needs to learn a lot about the term "holding midfield" and he NEEDS TO STOP GIVING BALLS AWAY CARELESSLY!
Samir Nasri:9
13 of 22
This is Arsenal's Messi. I don't know why he started playing so well this season, I don't know why he's all of a sudden Arsenal best player. All I know is that he's been a an outstanding player this season.
His easy control of the ball and accurate passes always leaves Arsenal in possession of the ball. He has been like a leader to the team and even in times of obvious defeat, he never leaves without a fight. He scored two late consolations against West brom to leave the game at 3-2, when a three-goal thrashing seemed near.
So far, he has scored 14 and assisted 4 in all competitions.
Drawbacks: nothing
Tomasz Rosicky:6
14 of 22
Rosicky is a shadow of his former self, he's not that player that played almost as good as Fabregas, something is definitely missing from him this season.
Rosicky hasn't really added much to the team and must really lack in confidence now. Anyway, the Czech might be getting his confidence back after scoring against Leyton Orient. He has recently been showing signs of his former self. He makes more runs and gives more accurate passes. He might end up contributing a lot to Arsenal's season.
Drawbacks: He is hardly noticed in games that Arsenal struggle to win. Also his confidence must have taken a huge blow last year when he blasted a penalty over the bar in a match against Sunderland that later ended in a1-1 draw, Sunderland coming from behind to equalize in the last minute.
Theo Walcott:8
15 of 22
He's simply been in top form this season for the gunners.His performance has already earned him first team football.
He has provided a lot of opportunities upfront and has also produced a good number of goals. His speed is what makes him really special. In the 2nd leg against Chelsea, he completely maneuvered Ashley Cole in the whole game and even went on to score a beautiful goal.
Arsenal have depended a lot on Theo and he tends not to disappoint. So far this season, he has been in good form and Arsenal seriously missed him in the second tie against Barcelona.
Drawbacks: He's currently out with an ankle injury and is prone to get more injuries.
Francesc Fabregas:8.5
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As usual, Fabregas has been a key figure in Arsenal this season. He has been the orchestrator of most of the goals. His presence on the pitch provides more scoring opportunity for everyone.
After rumors of a move to Barca, Cesc has put all that behind him and has impressed with his play on the pitch.Currently Cesc has scored 9 goals and assisted 12 in all competitions. He still shows a lot of promise despite his heavy work load. I salute you, sir.
Drawbacks: He had a bad game against Barca (2nd leg). The main incident was when he gave Iniesta a back pass that led to a goal.
Abou Diaby: 6.5
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Had a decent start to the season, but got injured. His return has not been glorious, he still needs time to get in shape.
He went unnoticed in the game against Barca and he was actually playing holding midfield. He has what it takes to play in an Arsenal midfield, all he needs to work on is consistency.
Drawbacks: Had a little temper problem when he got sent off for a violent conduct on Joey Barton. Arsenal drew that game, with Newcastle equalizing from four goals down.
Jack Wilshere:9
18 of 22
What a season the young man is having! Just 19 years of age and he's playing like a 30 year old. The young man is full of energy and never gets discouraged. He has been praised tremendously by England manager, Fabio Capello for his brilliant performance.
He has played extremely well in all the games i've watched, even in the two legs of the Barca clash. He's slowly becoming a player that Arsenal might even need more than Fabregas. If you don't think so, just remember that Jack practically plays everywhere in the midfield perfectly. Not all Arsenal players are that versatile (maybe only Eboue and Emmanuel thomas).
Drawback:Nothing I know of.
Andrei Arshavin:7
19 of 22
Arshavin is a proof that trusting a player even in his hardest times will eventually pay off.
Arshavin started the season brightly, scoring and assisting, before his form took a sharp turn early in 2011. He wasn't passing well, he couldn't score and he couldn't even control the ball. Speculations of a January transfer were becoming more realistic but Wenger decided to have faith in him and slowly Arshavin built up his confidence and is currently on top form.
He is topping Fabregas on assists with 19 assists to his name in all competitions. That's something you don't see everyday.
Drawbacks: His lack of form was a scare to Arsenal fans as they all thought the reign of the Russian had come to an. Anyway, he's back again.
Nicklas Bendtner:6.5
20 of 22
Bendtner's playing time reduced after Van Persie recovered from an injury and so had little to offer with the less playing time.
The Dane has had a decent season and scored a few goals. I think he can do more if he's played more as a center forward. His weight and height can be used as an advantage. So far he has scored 9 goals in all competitions, netting 4 goals in five FA cup appearances.
Drawbacks:At times, he finds it hard to track back when Arsenal is being attacked.
Marouane Chamakh:7
21 of 22
Certainly a good buy for the gunners. Chamakh, didn't fail to make an impression when he joined the club. At one point, he was the club topscorer.
However, Chamakh's playing time has been shortened by Van Persie's recovery and he has not managed to score a lot of goals after that. He's still an important member. He comes off the bench to provide more strength in the attack, especially in the air.
Chamakh at one point was Arsenal's best player, even though he might not be getting the playing time he was hoping for, he's been valuable to the team and still is.
Drawbacks:He tends to be clumsy with the ball when in tight angles.
Robin Van Persie:9
22 of 22
Just when Arsenal needed goals, he came back with a bang. He's goalscoring form this season has been nothing short of spectacular.
RVP got injured early in August and left space for Chamakh and Bendtner to shine. When they started fadind the Dutchman returned and started a goalscoring spree. He has recorded a hat trick, a few braces and a well taken goal against Barcelona.
He currently has 10 goals and 5 assists in fifteen appearances to his name in the EPL.
Drawbacks:He is prone to injuries
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