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In a season where Arsenal managed to make FA Cup History by winning the infamous trophy for the record breaking twelfth time as well as securing an automatic Champions League with an improved third place finish, there are obviously many highlights.
Improved results against the so called ‘bigger teams’, including away wins at both Manchester clubs, as well as the world-class dismantling of last season’s second placed Liverpool are all results that will live long in the memory for all Arsenal fans. As well as this, the acquisition of Alexis Sanchez was, without a doubt, the signing of the season and brought a true touch of undeniable class to a side with now surely ready to compete at the top level both domestically and across Europe.
However, as well as this season went in many ways, there were of course some mediocre performances which is why we ended up so far off challenging Chelsea this season. The poor start to the season with the addition to disappointing displays against the likes of Sp*rs, Swansea (twice) and Southampton all act as reminders to everyone that Arsenal are far from the peak of their powers. As well as this, the home defeat to Monaco really acts a season low point.
With all this in mind, my highlight of the season has to be the emergence, or ‘re-emergence’, of Francis Coquelin into the heart of the Arsenal midfield. When he was loaned out to Charlton at the beginning of the season, his career with the club seemed to be over. However, when was recalled due to a plight of midfield injuries he more than stepped up to the plate. The young Frenchman brought guile, vigour and a fierce back bone that Arsenal have been arguably missing since Patrick Viera.
Although many were sceptical of Coquelin when he first returned to the team, his disciplined performance away to Manchester City really stands out as his coming of age performance for the club. It would also be a total disservice to the young man to claim that he does the ‘dirty work’ in the team. Yes, Coquelin clearly loves a crunching tackle and has added that to the team, but he is also incredibly talented on the ball and has the vision and capabilities to pick out teammates across the pitch.
The emergence of Coquelin has taken everyone – even the manager! – by surprise but it has been totally welcomed. While he is by no means the finished article, Coquelin continued to show characteristics of a top, or dare I say it, world class player.
Clearly, after so long away from the club on various loan spells, he is determined and hungry to succeed. His performance in the FA Cup Final absolutely typified his season with Arsenal. He remained unphased by the occasion, made more interceptions than any other player and when on the ball strode round the pitch elegantly before giving it to the dangerous players of the midfield.
Although Sanchez will, quite rightly, win the plaudits and awards this season, the emergence of Francis Coquelin cannot be forgotten. He was the highlight of my season.
