Season Review: Arsenal

Last updated : 02 June 2009 By Sammy Mooner
How did your season go? Did Arsenal finish where you expected them to?
Our season was mediocre judged by the exceedingly high standards set in recent years by Le Boss, and not at all assisted by numerous crucial injuries to key players. Most Gooners considered our squad to be lacking two or three key defensive players when the season commenced and were unfortunately proved to be correct. So 4th place, a couple of semi-finals and the Youth Cup was disappointing but not entirely unexpected.

Who was Arsenal's player of the year?
We didn't have an obvious stand out player but for both his goals and assists probably Robin van Persie did more for our cause than most, while Arshavin is clearly a tremendous prospect for 2009-10.

Who were the best players you saw play against Arsenal?
Ronaldo, Anelka and Gerrard.

What did you make of Hull City?
Many of us were rooting for you after your fine display at the Emirates in early season, but after that orange clown of yours and his lippy side-kick lost the plot, made total arses of themselves and missguidely slated our captain, manager and Club we regarded the Tigers as a rather poor joke. As a club Hull are going in the right direction long-term. But as a team you'll need new personnel and a much, much smaller ego in charge if you are to survive a second season in the Premiership.

Where do you need to strengthen this summer?
Same places as the start of the previous season: in central defence and defensive midfield

Who'll be on their way out?
The rumours and debates continue, but few would miss Silvestre, Eboue or Adebayor.

Arsenal's best 11 of the season?
Almunia
Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy
Walcott, Nasri, Fabregas, Song
Arshavin van Persie

Good luck for the coming season. I can't help feeling you're going to require rather a lot of it to survive.

Sammy Mooner writes for The Gooner magazine and website