block6gooner

As part of the post-season review here are my thoughts on our defensive based players (the midfield and forwards will follow later in the week).

Goalkeepers

Manuel Almunia – Many doubted his ability to be our number 1 keeper, following the departure of Jens last Summer we had no choice but to promote Manuel to number 1. However during last season he had earned that position on merit. Whilst he has made a few mistakes this year which have cost goals, they are far outweighed by the number of top-class saves he has made. A number of times this year he has given some brilliant performances that have kept us in the game. He is clearly our number one ‘keeper and I would be surprised to see any purchase in this position. My worry is his ankle, following the Diouf challenge he has been injured a fair bit but hopefully a Summer of rest will see him fit for next season.

Lukasz Fabianski – Our second choice keeper and cup competition keeper. I have high hopes for Lukasz but his youth, for a goalkeeper anyway, and inexperience is holding him back. It’s a catch 22 situation, he needs games to develop but we can’t afford to experiment in such an important position. His rushes forward have been costly this season, I can think of 2 goals and 2 near goals that occurred later in the season. But all is not lost and I think he has a future at Arsenal.

Vito Mannone – Not much to say other than it was good for him to get his League debut in our last game of the season.

Defenders

Bacary Sagna – Our first choice right-back. Whilst arguably this season has not been as good as his debut season he is still dependable and one of the certainties on the team sheet. He seemed less willing to attack this season but I think that is down to feeling less covered by Theo not tracking back. However he still has the pace to attack down the right and it is a good weapon to have. I think his crosses need a bit of work but overall he had a good season.

Kolo Toure - Following his Malaria Kolo struggled for fitness. His arse had doubled in size and his pace was not what it was. He really struggled for form up until his transfer request during the January window. He didn’t get on with Gallas and the two did not play well as a partnership. However the past few months have seen the form, and most of the pace, return and again we see Kolo making those important challenges at the back. I suspect the forthcoming season might be his last as a regular starter, Djourou and Song will develop and there is the possibility of a new centre back being purchased in the Summer.

William Gallas – Many doubted the suitability of William Gallas as club captain going into the 08/09 season, the display at Birmingham was the turning point. Those doubts were confirmed following the comments made by Gallas in the French press and his alleged rift with Kolo Toure. Mid-season he was stripped of the captaincy, but that turned his game around. He no longer had the pressure of being in charge and upped his game, some key goals and exceptional defensive performances showed just how valuable he was to the club and his absence for the final weeks of the season was clear for all to see. I hope he stays at Arsenal, despite many fans still having reservations as to his suitability as a member of the club, but he is a very good defender, probably our best if the truth be told.

Mikael Silvestre – I truly do not know why Arsène took this gamble, he failed to impress me in the games he played. Whilst some experience was needed in the squad some quality needed to be present at the same time. 

Johan Djourou - During Kolo’s dip in form and Gallas’ injury the young Swiss centre back has filled in excellently. Whilst he may be a bit raw in this position he has shown that he can improve and I have high hopes for him at the club.

Gael Clichy – Our first choice left back, but his form was not at it’s best this season. A number of errors and general lapses seem to be slipping into his game which is a worry. I hope he can regain his form, something he too must be worried about given the quality of his able deputy.

Kieran Gibbs – A revelation. When Clichy was out injured many worried that young Gibbs would be unable to fill the void; however he coped brilliantly, far above what anyone reasonably expected from him. He looks like a young Clichy when he was the understudy to a certain greedy bastard who used to play left back for us. Yes he slipped to let Man Utd score but it was an unfortunate accident, it was not down to his footballing ability. Another young defender I have high hopes for at the club. Clichy must be worried.