English Premier League 2011: The Good Parts of Arsenal's Season
Arsenal entered this season desperate to win their first trophy in six seasons. They will enter next in a similar mindset.
They were within one point of league leaders Manchester United at the end of February, but just one league win throughout March and April ended their challenge. Arsenal's attempts to win the Champions League, were ended once again by Barcelona; being beaten 4–3 on aggregate at the round of 16 stage.
Arsenal must have had really high hopes of winning the FA Cup but it was ended in the sixth round following a 2–0 defeat to Manchester United. They came closest to silverware in the Carling Cup, reaching the final, only to concede a winning goal in the 89th minute to Birmingham City's Obafemi Martins.
Arsenal's season will undoubtedly have left a lot of fans scratching their heads. From a potential quadruple they finished with nothing.
But that doesn't mean that the season was not highlighted by some great moments.
Arsenal vs Chelsea December 27 2010
1 of 6Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-1.
This was a proud day to be an Arsenal fan. Having lost at Old Trafford 15 days before, many people suggested Arsenal’s campaign would be undermined by a familiar weakness: the failure to beat their main title rivals.
Alex Song stumbled through to blast home the opener on the stroke of half time.
Then, just after the restart, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott created goals for one another inside three mad minutes to send Arsenal into dreamland. Although Branislav Ivanovic scored for Chelsea it was nothing more than consolation when the final whistle came.
Barca Gunned Down
2 of 6Arsenal completed a stunning comeback to beat Barcelona 2-1 in the home leg of their Champions league clash.
Obviously the team couldn't get past the eventual champions and make it to the quarter finals but the home victory made them one of the few teams to actually beat Barcelona this past season.
In a very entertaining celebration of soccer, David Villa opened the scoring for the away side. Arsenal didn't falter however and an amazing strike from Robin Van Persie from what looked like an impossible angle drew them level before Andrey Arshavin curled home a late winner.
Twist in the Tale: Arsenal Beat Manchester United
3 of 6No one saw this coming one coming. Arsenal looked to already be out of the title race until Aaron Ramsey struck to give he team a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium to give them hope.
It was an emotional day for Ramsey who was making his first league start since that infamous broken leg he suffered at Stoke the previous season.
Arsenal were essentially out of the title race which may have allowed them play with so much freedom. Manchester United couldn't answer Arsenal's passing. Aaron Ramsey scored the only goal on what was a glorious day for the whole club.
Jack Wilshere
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Jack Wilshere was truly the lynchpin of Arsenal this season.
He displayed courage, skill and maturity well beyond his age.
Hopefully for all Arsenal fans Wilshere will continue his impressive performances and possibly even develop into an even better player. Wilshere's performances could be made even more crucial if Cesc Fabregas decides to leave the club.
Samir Nasri
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This was without a doubt Nasri's best season for Arsenal FC.
He played superbly throughout the season both on the wing and in the center when asked.
With 15 goals and four assists he was Arsenal's star player this season. Nobody can fault Nasri's performances for the team not winning a trophy this year.
The Form of the Flyin Dutchman
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Robin van Persie can be very proud of his performances when on the field this season. He may have only played in 33 matches but he managed to score 22 goals in those games.
Van Persie proved this year that when he is on form he can be up there with the best. Had he been on the field for the whole season, Arsenal's fortunes would have been totally different.
