With the season over and a trophy in the cabinet, I’m going to assess the season for each member of the Arsenal squad and rate them. I’m sure there’ll be some disagreements about some of my ratings, so feel free to comment at the bottom with your thoughts. There’s only one place to start: the last line of defence.
1. Wojciech Szczesny
The Pole has had his best season in an Arsenal shirt, starting 37 of the 38 league games and sharing the golden glove award with Petr Cech for the most clean sheets in the Premier League. He’s been much more decisive coming out for crosses and his shot stopping has improved. Szczesny has made plenty of saves that have been crucial to Arsenal winning games, think Tottenham at home, Crystal Palace away and Cardiff away. The sign of a good goalkeeper is when they help win more points than the points their mistakes cost, and Szczesny has definitely helped win the Gunners a lot of points this season.
The downsides for him this season, like the rest of the team, are the thrashings away at Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Those games badly skewed his record of goals conceded for the season, although the reality is that he was often left badly exposed in those matches. The red card against Bayern Munich was also disappointing, but I still think that was unlucky.
He’s a fans favourite and never lacks for confidence, but this season Szczesny has shown the consistency and quality to be Arsenal’s number one for many years and back up his self-belief. 24 is still very young for a goalkeeper, so it’s impressive for him to be playing so consistently under the pressure of playing every week for Arsenal.
Season Rating: 8 / 10
13. Emiliano Viviano
Given how Arsenal used four goalkeepers in 2012/2013 due to injuries and losses of form, the September deadline day signing of Emiliano Viviano was welcomed because it would have been a risk to go through the season with just two goalkeepers. Had Szczesny and Fabianski been unavailable at the same time, Viviano could have done well. Alas, we’ll never know. Even though he never played, I can’t bring myself to give him zero.
Season Rating: 1 / 10
21. Lukasz Fabianski
Even though he just made the one league appearance in a dead-rubber at Norwich, Arsenal fans will have fond memories of Lukasz Fabianski from this season. The lack of concern from fans when he was picked in the cup competitions was a sign of how much he’s no longer considered a liability. Had it not been for some exceptional performances from Wojciech Szczesny, Fabianski could easily have been the number one, and that wouldn’t have worried me.
His performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup was superb, he saved a penalty in Munich but his finest moment was undoubtedly the shoot-out heroics against Wigan. That match was most of the painful and stressful things I’ve ever experienced, but Fabianski stayed calm and relieved so much tension by saving the first two Wigan spot kicks. There was a glimpse of the old Fabianski when he came haring out at the end of extra time against Hull, but fortunately Sone Aluko missed from out wide so we can just about forgive the Pole for that one!
It’s a shame that he’s set to leave as he’s the best back-up goalkeeper in the Premier League. However on that basis, it’s very difficult to begrudge him a move as he deserves to be playing first team football. Arsenal will find it difficult to find a reserve goalkeeper that is as reliable though.
Season Rating: 7 / 10
Coming later in the week – The Defenders
Listen to the Sam’s Match Reports podcast end-of-season awards special!
Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
The SMR Arsenal Squad Review - The Goalkeepers
Sunday, May 25, 2014
End-of-season awards part 3
Sam Limbert is joined by James Bale and Rob Starr for the third part of an epic end-of-season extravaganza with the prestigious Sam’s Match Reports awards!
Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes!
End-of-season awards part 2
Sam Limbert is joined by James Bale and Rob Starr for the second part of an epic end-of-season extravaganza with the prestigious Sam’s Match Reports awards!
Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes!
End-of-season awards part 1
Sam Limbert is joined by James Bale and Rob Starr for the first part of an epic end-of-season extravaganza with the prestigious Sam’s Match Reports awards!
Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The waiting is over in a fitting way for Wenger
Arsenal were never going to do it the easy way were they? Despite the hope of just cruising to a two or three goal victory in the FA Cup final against Hull City, after the semi-final against Wigan, we should have known that Arsenal would put the supporters through emotional turmoil before winning a trophy again.
Despite the persistent media attention on the nine years, we’d be lying as fans if we denied that if wasn’t in the back of our heads on cup final day. So what was eight minutes in the context of nine years? When James Chester and Curtis 
Unlike in the big away games in the Premier League this season, Arsenal couldn’t crumble here. Most of them would struggle to show their faces again in an Arsenal shirt if they did crumble at 2-0 down. Liverpool and Chelsea are one thing, but capitulating against Hull would have been beyond unthinkable. Whilst clearly not at their fluid best, and against a stubborn Hull side, Arsenal dug seriously deep on Saturday to recover. Santi Cazorla produced some magic with a stunning free-kick, before chances came and went until Laurent Koscielny bundled the ball in during the second half. Much like the semi-final, sheer will and desperation forced the ball over the line for the equaliser.
In the end, it was a fitting finish to the game for Arsene Wenger, as his substitutions helped make the difference to get the team over the line. Yaya Sanogo, whilst his finishing still leaves a lot to be desired, took the pressure off Olivier Giroud when he came on, and helped occupy the three Hull centre backs with energetic runs. Then, with one half of extra time remaining, after holding back two substitutes, Arsene Wenger was able to give Arsenal an injection of urgency with the introduction of Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere. With Hull looking shattered, these two gave the Gunners a drive forward to get the winner before a penalty shoot-out.
It wasn’t just good use of substitutions that made it special for Wenger though. Aaron Ramsey’s winner was extremely symbolic, considering how he typifies the 
Watching from the stands, the goal looked to be happening in slow-motion. Nine years waiting for that moment and 109 minutes waiting to get a lead in the final just built-up to one of the most incredible feelings I’ve had in a football stadium. Of course, in true Arsenal style it was followed by a couple of terrifying moments when Lukas Fabianski came flying out of goal, bringing the loudest intake of breath from fans I’ve ever heard, but Arsenal got away with it.
At the final whistle, the players collapsed on the floor, prayed, pumped the air and emotionally celebrated with the fans. That moment that those players had produced will be written into Arsenal folklore, and all the squad will have a place in history as FA Cup winners at the club. That seemed to hit them at the final whistle, realising they had become the players to bring glory back to Arsenal Football Club.
There were some many great images from Wembley, from Ramsey’s celebration, to the players lying on the turf at full time, to Thomas Vermaelen lifting the cup and to Arsene Wenger being lifted in the air when soaked in champagne. However, one of the abiding images for me of the weekend is of the trophy being held aloft outside Emirates Stadium after the parade. Arsene Wenger
In the streets of Islington on Sunday, it didn’t feel like celebrations at the end of something. It felt like the beginning. This win can only serve as an inspiration to the players to see the joy they brought so many fans around the world through winning on Saturday, but it will have been particularly striking to see the estimated 250,000 who packed the streets on Sunday. From next season, when the team walk out at the Emirates, they will see an FA Cup on the front of the top tier of the stadium with the year 2014 next to it. It’ll be a reminder that they have put a marker down at this club. They’ve made a little piece of history, and the opportunity is there to make it bigger.
Like most Arsenal fans, I’ve spent the past few days with a permanent smile. The nine years haven’t been fun. The longer it’s gone, the more opposing fans and the media have mentioned it, but now it’s over. Arsene Wenger now seems likely to stay, and as much as he looked knackered after the match on Saturday, he had the same enthusiastic smile that he had in 1998 during the celebrations on Sunday. It was almost as if he’d forgotten what it felt like to win a trophy, on top of just finishing in the top four. There seemed to be a hunger again, and relief that his patience and belief in the squad, the stadium move and the young players was finally bringing a reward.
Work needs to be done for next season to make sure this is the start of something and not just a one-off, but I’m not going to worry about that now. Arsenal are winners again, and it feels awesome.
Post-FA CUP VICTORY: Sweet, Drought Relief
Nothing conceded early here, just three, unanswered download links: iTunes, the raw RSS feed and our archive are where you can find the new pod.
After a season that tested the cardiac durability like few others before, it should come as little surprise that it took an absolute barnburner for Arsenal to capture their first trophy in 9 years, coming from behind to beat Hull 3-2 in the FA Cup Final. Helping us relive the nerve-shredding experience will be Arsenal commentator Dan Roebuck followed by some end of season perspective and a fresh outlook on Arsenal’s new winning era from Charm City Gooner Mike Kavanagh. Throughout the pod we’ll weave in listener reviews, regrets and highlights of the season, and to cap things off we’ll name the four participants who made out with some silverware of their own…
Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give a special thanks to all the guests and listeners who each week gave us their valuable time in the name of Arsenal, win, lose, or frustrating draw. No joke, we really do enjoy interacting with Gooners on both sides of the pond, so thanks for sticking with us and more importantly, thanks for supporting Arsenal with us. What an end to an incredible season: now go out there and brag about it to everyone you see this summer, and we’ll see you back on the pod when the fun restarts in August!
Post-FA CUP VICTORY: Sweet, Drought Relief
Nothing conceded early here, just three, unanswered download links: iTunes, the raw RSS feed and our archive are where you can find the new pod.
After a season that tested the cardiac durability like few others before, it should come as little surprise that it took an absolute barnburner for Arsenal to capture their first trophy in 9 years, coming from behind to beat Hull 3-2 in the FA Cup Final. Helping us relive the nerve-shredding experience will be Arsenal commentator Dan Roebuck followed by some end of season perspective and a fresh outlook on Arsenal's new winning era from Charm City Gooner Mike Kavanagh. Throughout the pod we'll weave in listener reviews, regrets and highlights of the season, and to cap things off we'll name the four participants who made out with some silverware of their own…
Finally, we'd be remiss if we didn't give a special thanks to all the guests and listeners who each week gave us their valuable time in the name of Arsenal, win, lose, or frustrating draw. No joke, we really do enjoy interacting with Gooners on both sides of the pond, so thanks for sticking with us and more importantly, thanks for supporting Arsenal with us. What an end to an incredible season: now go out there and brag about it to everyone you see this summer, and we'll see you back on the pod when the fun restarts in August!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Aaron Ramsey won the cup
In the joyous warm glow of Arsenal ending the nine year wait for a trophy, Sam Limbert is joined by James Bale and Rob Starr to talk about Arsenal’s cup final win over Hull City.
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Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Podcast EXTRA - FA Cup Final Preview
In a wave of FA Cup Final excitement, Sam Limbert is joined by James Bale and Rob Starr to look ahead to Arsenal v Hull at Wembley.
Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes!
Ramsey celebrated like he just got on a bus
After the final weekend of the Premier League, Sam Limbert is joined by James Bale and Rob Starr to talk about Arsenal’s game with Norwich, the manager situation at Manchester United and Tottenham, and discuss the England World Cup squad.
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Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Post-Norwich: One Last Two-Nil
Like a brace of goals away from home, our download locations are plentiful (we know it’s a weak metaphor but it’s been a long season): iTunes, the raw RSS feed and our archive.
Arsenal lay a fitting bookend to their efficient season by comfortably easing out relegation fodder Norwich City at Carrow Road before turning their sights (if they hadn’t already) to the big one at Wembley, the FA Cup Final on Saturday. On hand to discuss this golden chance at silverware, probable starting lineups and suitable midfield selections for an underdog opponent like Hull is Sam Limbert of SamsMatchReports.com, followed by absolutely no Wanker of the Week candidates whatsoever (it’s hard when your opponents applaud your goals) and a big prize addition to our extended End of Season Catharsis…
Post-Norwich: One Last Two-Nil
Like a brace of goals away from home, our download locations are plentiful (we know it's a weak metaphor but it's been a long season): iTunes, the raw RSS feed and our archive.
Arsenal lay a fitting bookend to their efficient season by comfortably easing out relegation fodder Norwich City at Carrow Road before turning their sights (if they hadn't already) to the big one at Wembley, the FA Cup Final on Saturday. On hand to discuss this golden chance at silverware, probable starting lineups and suitable midfield selections for an underdog opponent like Hull is Sam Limbert of SamsMatchReports.com, followed by absolutely no Wanker of the Week candidates whatsoever (it's hard when your opponents applaud your goals) and a big prize addition to our extended End of Season Catharsis...
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Carl Jenkinson lives the fan's dream
For the majority of Arsenal’s final Premier League game of the season at Norwich City, it felt like the dead rubber that it was. Norwich were virtually down and Arsenal were trying to not over-exert themselves before the FA Cup final. However in the second half, there were a few brilliant moments for Arsenal to close the league season.
There have been many ‘what if’ questions about Aaron Ramsey in the last few weeks, especially when the Gunners only finished seven points off the top of the table, and the 2-0 win at Carrow Road only served to provide another chance to ponder those questions. As Arsenal stepped up the tempo in the second half to try and get something from the game, Olivier Giroud found some space on the left and picked out the Welshman on the right side of the penalty area. Ramsey’s volley was sensational. No goalkeeper would have saved it as the ball went perfectly into the top corner. One TV angle from behind the goal showed how pure the strike of the ball was. He may have been missing at key times in the season with injury, but Ramsey is peaking again before the cup final.
If the Ramsey goal was a superb piece of skill, Arsenal’s second goal was one that was a beautiful moment in another way. Carl Jenkinson is living the fan’s dream just by playing in the Arsenal team. His family are Gooners and he grew up at Highbury. When the ball broke to him in the penalty area and he found the bottom corner, albeit via a deflection, the joy on his face was superb. He charged off, arms out-stretched, towards the travelling fans, as if he’d scored the winner in the cup final. It was just how any Arsenal fan would react when scoring for their boyhood club. Jenkinson is someone all fans can relate to, and to see him score his first goal was brilliant.
The final great moment at Carrow Road was the introduction off the substitute’s bench of Abou Diaby. The French midfielder is inspirational in the way he has fought back from numerous career great ending injuries, so to see him get some minutes was great. He’s a player that some think Arsenal should cut their losses on because of his injury record, but there were some good touches in his Norwich cameo, and a reminder that he has a presence in midfield that no other Arsenal player can provide. At his best, he can motor through midfield and glide past players. The response he got from the superb travelling fans was all a bit emotional. Even though it was a dead-rubber match, this was an uplifting moment.
The Arsenal team selection was interesting for the game, with Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla rested. Lukasz Fabianski started in goal, implying to me that Wojciech Szczesny will start at Wembley in the FA Cup final, despite not playing in the competition this season. It would be harsh on Fabianski, but when he’s virtually out the door this summer, I don’t have a problem with Arsene Wenger picking his number one at Wembley.
Bacary Sagna also started at centre-back, and put in a performance that reminded Arsenal fans how much he’ll be missed. He’s an exception defender, and his versatility is useful. As I said last week after the West Brom match, I really hope it isn’t a farewell, but the signs aren’t good.
Wenger generally picked a stronger team than I expected ahead of Wembley, but there didn’t appear to be any injuries, so it was positive that most of the key men for the final were able to sharpen their match fitness. Arsenal have won five in a row going into the final, so have momentum and form.
Even though he probably won’t play in the showpiece game, Arsenal also have a proper Gooner in the squad. After seeing his reaction to scoring at Carrow Road, it’s hard to fathom just how mental Carl Jenkinson would go if he did score the winner in the cup final. If he did, all Arsenal fans would be with him.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Post-West Brom: Winding Down
Let it never be said that our download locations specialize in failure: you can score the new pod on iTunes, the raw RSS feed or our archive.
Arsenal start to assess how much they need to save in the tank for May 17 as they stroll through two fairly comfortable home wins, first against Newcastle then West Brom on the weekend. Helping us decide whether or not this constitutes good FA Cup preparation and starting the process of reviewing the season as a whole will be returning guest and Arsenal America writer Chris Jenkins, along with a Wanker of the Week who’s duller than Tony Pulis and details on how YOUR thoughts on Arsenal’s season work into OUR new prize contest…
Post-West Brom: Winding Down
Let it never be said that our download locations specialize in failure: you can score the new pod on iTunes, the raw RSS feed or our archive.
Arsenal start to assess how much they need to save in the tank for May 17 as they stroll through two fairly comfortable home wins, first against Newcastle then West Brom on the weekend. Helping us decide whether or not this constitutes good FA Cup preparation and starting the process of reviewing the season as a whole will be returning guest and Arsenal America writer Chris Jenkins, along with a Wanker of the Week who's duller than Tony Pulis and details on how YOUR thoughts on Arsenal's season work into OUR new prize contest…
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Fearing farewells after a proper end-of-season game
After Everton’s defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Arsenal were confirmed in the top four, securing Champions League football again. Considering the tension on the last day of the season in recent years, to have got over that hurdle with a couple of games to go was much appreciated by Gooners. However, it did mean that Arsenal’s last home game of the season with West Bromwich Albion was a dead rubber, and it definitely felt like it for most of the game.
In the Emirates sun, Arsenal didn’t have to overly exert themselves, with all of the focus now on making sure the team are fit and ready for the FA Cup Final. West Brom could have done with a point to absolutely secure safety from relegation, but with other results from the weekend, a defeat wasn’t going to be catastrophic for them. As such, neither team really reached top gear at any point in the match.
The only goal came from a Santi Cazorla corner, which was met by a thumping header from Olivier Giroud. Despite being pulled back, Giroud battled his way to the front of the queue and buried the ball past Foster.
For the rest of the game, Arsenal mostly held the visitors at arms’ length and looked capable of creating openings when they flicked the switch to attack with some more pace and vigour. Ozil, Cazorla and Podolski all looked dangerous, but without the urgency or need to attack at full pace for most of the game, Arsenal didn’t get a cushion to just avoid any nerves near the end of the match.
One minor concern was the absence of Aaron Ramsey, who was missing with a slight muscle strain as a precaution. With Norwich next week also being a dead rubber, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Welshman isn’t seen again until the trip to Wembley. Now there isn’t the pressure of making the top four, Arsene Wenger can rotate his squad and make sure everyone is ready for the big game in a fortnight.
Whilst everyone was relaxed and enjoying the calm end-of-season feeling about the match, there was a tinge of sadness about it. There’s a chance that it was Thomas Vermaelen’s last match at home for the club, and it was more likely Bacary Sagna’s last Emirates appearance for the Arsenal. I really hope that isn’t the case, but during the lap of appreciation after the game, it looked like a wave good-bye from the Frenchman. His name was being sung by supporters with chants of ‘we want you to stay’, but I fear he will move on his contract up.
If Sagna does go, Arsenal will lose arguably their most consistent player and will have to find a replacement. I just hope that he leaves the Premier League, as after he’s been such a great servant to Arsenal Football Club, it would be a huge shame if his reputation was soured by joining someone like Manchester City.
With the top four place secured and the cup final to come, there was a much better mood around the Emirates for the players’ lap at the end of the game. More fans stayed than in recent seasons and there’s a real buzz about the club again, especially compared to a month or so ago. The match itself was a slight non-event, but it was just something else to be ticked off before the FA Cup Final.
Podcast EXTRA - Under-rated XI
Sam Limbert is joined by Rob Starr and James Bale to come up with a random team of under-rated players in this week’s podcast EXTRA.
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I'll draw you a diagram of my garden
Sam Limbert is joined by James Bale and Rob Starr after Arsenal’s last home game of the season to talk about the win over West Brom, the lap of appreciation, relegation and gardens.
Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes!
