2008/2009 Jav's Arsenal Awards

Always with the goal of improving and bringing the tradition of the awards, already made from last season EURO 2008, I am delighted to bring you, dear reader, the 2008/2009 Jav's Arsenal Awards. Among many improvements made in posts are the triple match picture features and half block columns, along with extended grammar and spelling revision. You know dear reader, that I close the season with a full round up, and the fact that many people do the that in the final part of the year irritates me, so I do it at season's end. I will try to contrast it with the previous season regarding the figures and prospects that I had this previous term. The usual overall balance by each position is provided among with several common things with the other awards, and some new adds. Enjoy dear reader!



Best Young Player of the Season
Again, the average of age in the team, for this awards, is U-23.



Jack Wilshere: It is true that the beginning of the season did cost him a lot but when he found his pace, the toll of goals and appearances increased, covering a position that needed refreshment and which provided the final step he needed: confidence. Obviously his chances will decrease but his early impact in the season did make some Gooners sigh but his growth as a player in Arsenal's side will certainly become a subject of interest in the next years. His performances for both reserves and youth teams earned him the double that the Arsenal youth ranks can presume to have now.



Worst Young Player of the Season


Not even a stain of dirt!

Amaury Bischoff: If someone skipped him in any review or comment it may well be the same as skipping breakfast ona busy day. Slow, clumsy and perma-crooked, the Portuguese midfielder did not feature in the starting eleven for the team in a whole year, being one of the "major siginings" by Wenger last summer, with a couple of passes, tackles and a shot among his repertoire in the four appeareances, all as substitue, this season. Maybe the best picture of him is watching him above Jack Wilshere and Lukas Fabiasnki, above the bench, in the place for injured players.


Best Goal of the Season

1-Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn by Andrei Arshavin

And incredibly stunning goal, offered only through a Playstation match. Magnifique display of footwork, technique, speed and finishing, top class.





2-Villareal 1-1 Arsenal by Emmanuel Adebayor
Tremendous technique in what was a match-winning goal, considering the circumstances.





3-Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal by Andrey Arshavin
The final touch to a dream night that saw him as the giant. Event though the party was spoiled by the late equalizer his deed shall remain in the Gunner's memory long enough.





*-Special Mention Arsenal 6-0 Sheffield United by Carlos Vela
The second in his three goal tally that day, saw his main asset to arise as the Gunners' brightest immediate star.





Best Match of the Season

1-Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal (EPL)
A heart-breaking game that saw how the Gunners resurged from the bottoms to see the best spirit of the team.

2-Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal (EPL)With the Toon Army support, the Geordies managed to keep Arsenal on a tight leash for sixty minutes, in a speedy good match.

3-Arsenal 3-0 Villareal (UCL)
The solid display put the Gunners in the semifinals of the European tournament.


*-Shefield Utd 0-6 Arsenal
The tremendous haul of goals that the youngsters provided is among the best performances in Carling Cup history.

Worst match of the season
1-AS Roma 1-0 Arsenal (UCL)
A terrible display by the north Londoners was spared by the excellent penalties execution.

2-Stoke 2-1 Arsenal (EPL)
Rory Delap and the horrid defending gave the Potters the home win at Britannia Stadium

3-Arsenal 0-0 Fenerbahce (UCL)
One of the most boring matches that I have ever seen in my entire life ended in a goaless draw. Nothing to do with the previous match in Turkey. If you can avoid repetition or skip in season review, do it, it will save you healthy neurons for the next day.

*-Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal (EPL)
In yet another London derby, the frail and childish stupor that emerged from London rivals was nothing compared with the eight goal thriller earlier in the season. Wenger's men were lucky to scrap a tie from Spurs, this time.

**-Arsenal 1-3 Man Utd
The final humiliation in yet another tough and sad end of season for two consecutive years. Cristiano Ronaldo outclassed the team in every departament, and even though Utd did not win the final, the wound remains open as last years' last gasp goal, courtesy of Owen Hargreaves.


Best Young Revelation

1-Jack Wilshere
2-Carlos Vela
3-Aaron Ramsey


Best Revelation

1-Andrey Arshavin
2-Jack Wilshere
3-Samir Nasri

Injured player of the Season

In the nurse's favorites section we have the ill-managed, ill-fated Czech captain. Cesc is not mentioned due to his enormous contribution to the club, even with a four-month digression.
1-Tomas Rosicky
2-Amaury Bischoff
3-Mikael Silvestre


Worst Player of the Season

1-Amaury Bischoff
2-Mikael Silvestre
3-Emmanuel Eboue

Best Player of the Season

1-Robin van Persie
-Andrey Arshavin
3-Samir Nasri


Players to Watch

Defense: As the previous year I expect the inclussion of Harvard Nordveit in a Carling Cup clash. Obviously the new signing Vermaelen will have to prove his value and the battle for the left back position between U21 Gibbs and Clichy.

Midfield: Fran Merida final jump to first team should be, not as the previous year, a secondary attraction while Jack Wilshere stole each and everyone attention last season. Aaron Ramsey, Mark Randall should all make greater efforts to jump into the first team. Alex Song clumsy performances evolved into neatly solid defensive displays and next season more will be expected from the youngster.

Forward: Nicklas Bendnter's impressive tally should be more regular and the bright start of Mexican Vela should bring him to a higher standard in the team. Nacer Barazite is the greatest doubt, and after a series of loan spells he should be availabke for some games. Also Emmanuel-Thomas and the double youth champions should be an interesting addition.

Best Goalkeeper: Manuel Almunia
Best Defender: Bacary Sagna
Best Midfielder: Samir Nasri
Best Striker: Robin van Persie



Football Posts made during 08/09 season (as for July 10th):

-Barclays Premier League: 38
-FA Cup: 4
-Carling Cup: 2
-UEFA Champions League: 16 (counting final preview and final review)
-International Friendlies: 1
-World Cup Qualifiers: 5
-Others: 16
TOTAL: 82