Arsenal are quickly acquiring the reputation of Premier League nearly men. Once again, as was the case in the past few seasons, this campaign has been one of promise and frustration in equal measure for the Emirates faithful, who have seen their side vie for top spot all season until they faded in the background late on to finish fourth behind Manchester City, Chelsea and champions Man Utd. The Gunners will reflect on a number of damaging defeats, particularly at home against Spurs, West Brom or Newcastle and also on the spectacular meltdown that saw them lose a four-goal lead at half-time to draw at St James’ Park. If injuries could be invoked to explain past failures, this time round it was more a combination of defensive inadequacies and a general lack of mettle throughout the squad that was to blame. Thomas Vermaelen was sidelined for most of the campaign with a puzzling Achilles injury and was missed dearly at the back. Wenger had signed both Sebastien Schilacci and Laurent Koscielny over the summer to make up for the departures of William Gallas and Sol Campbell but the French duo were never meant to be durably partnered in central defence, and it showed time and time again. Johann Djourou established himself in the heart of defence after recovering from injury in the second half of the season and was perhaps one of the few real satisfactions for Arsene Wenger, along with the emergence of Jack Wilshere, who seemed to blossom in central midfield alongside Alex Song. Another encouraging aspect to come out of this season was the advent of Wojciech Szcseny who looked the part in goal after he took over from the injured Fabianski and the out-of-favour Almunia. Robin Van Persie wasn’t spared by injury this season but did manage 19 starts, hitting a rich vein of form in the second phase to finish on a highly commendable 19 goals. Yet it wasn’t enough to prevent his side from underachieving once again. Cesc Fabregas, after a summer of speculation, stayed at Ashburton Grove but his season never really got off the ground due mainly to recurring injuries, leaving the onus on Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere to direct the play. The Frenchman had a stellar start of the season but seemed to wear out overtime, as did summer signing Marouanne Chamakh, who also started the season steadily but failed to find the net in the second half of the campaign. Andrey Arshavin also looked a spent force at times, with his moments of brilliance growing more and more episodic as the season unfolded. In the Champions League, the Gunners staggered through the group stage and their second place finish behind Shakhtar meant a date with Barcelona in the last 16 and an early exit, in spite of a good win from behind in the first leg against the Catalans. Their FA Cup run was ended by Manchester Utd at the quarter-final stage in mid-March but in truth, Arsenal’s season had already begun deteriorating when they lost the Carling Cup final to Birmingham City in agonising circumstances at the end of February. With two wins out of 11 league games after that, they quickly and inexorably lost touch with the top of the table as a sixth trophyless season came upon them. Arsene Wenger has hinted at a summer of change, with a number players in the current squad expected to be let go while some high profile signings should occur.
