The Last Word - "After Review"; the @marksyspeaks End of Season Review/Awards

As we rapidly close in on the start of the World Cup, I think I’d better get this out there…

So here we go, then, at the end of a season where Mikel Arteta and his squad finally reaped their reward for sustained consistency and excellence over the past few years. The Premier League trophy, two cup final appearances and a further quarter final make for a pretty decent season in my book. And - as we have seen over the past fortnight or so - a beast has been released; and that beast is the Arsenal fan base!

Before I give out a few flowers, just a few words regarding the pathetic and embarrassing torrent of abuse that has accompanied Arsenal's season/success. And also on the level of achievement that our team has reached.

In this age of social media, instant reactions and attempts to shock and wind up others mean that this nonsense is what we have come to expect these days. It happens at work, in politics, and in sport fandom; in every aspect of life, in fact. People think that they can say or do what they like whilst hiding behind a keyboard, and it's usually things they won't say to your face. Some of the most obscure and pointless people end up as minor celebrities/shock jocks - and all for spouting complete nonsense; simply for effect. Sometimes it's difficult not to rise to the bait, but please remember this: Arsenal fans, we are above/better than these people, and have the forces of good on our side. 

Let them cry. Let them moan. It's their problem; not ours. We are living totally rent-free in their heads. And - fully three weeks later - it’s still going on! More fool them!!!

Also, do not lose sight of the fact that in both Manchester City and PSG, Arsenal have been up against teams financed by literal nation states. Those clubs appear to be able to act with impunity in everything they do - those 115+ charges are still outstanding for City, and in the case of PSG you may or may not be aware that if you add up the wages they pay their players, you'd have to add up the aggregate of what the next FOUR clubs in Ligue Un pay their players in order to reach equivalent levels. Talk about tilted playing fields! So for Arsenal to beat City to the Premier League title (with relative comfort in the end), and to come within a penalty shootout of conquering a PSG side who played considerably fewer matches over the season, and in a vestly less competitive league, is a measure of how well they have done. Sure, Arsenal are hardly paupers when it comes to football finances, but there is no comparison here - especially as Arsenal’s money has been earnt organically - so do not allow anybody to belittle their achievements in the face of such stiff/unfair competition. 

Right then; let's crack on with my Arsenal Awards. I'll be giving short lists in each category, with the winner indicated in Bold. And look out for a special section at the end, which I hope you will enjoy. Let's crack on:

Player of the Season

• David Raya (a very close second)
• William Saliba
• Gabriel Maghaeles
• Declan Rice
• Ebere Eze

Most Disappointing Player of the Season

• Martin Odegaard
• Bukayo Saka (who'd have thought?)
• Gabriel Martinelli
• Noni Madueke (Noni Noendproduct, as I call him)

Goal of the Season

• Gabriel Martinelli's equaliser vs Manchester City
• Zubimendi's volley vs Nottingham Forest
• Eze's hat-trick goal vs Tottenham
• Trossard's rocket at Sunderland
• Eze's winner vs Newcastle (home)
• Max Dowman vs Everton

Moment of the Season

• Gabriel Martinelli's equaliser vs Manchester City
• Gabriel's late winner at Newcastle
• Max Dowman's goal vs Everton
• Trossard's goal at West Ham
• "After Review: West Ham's number 19"...

Worst Moment of the Season

• Sunderland’s late equaliser
• Wolves’ late equaliser 
• Buendia last minute winner
• Haaland goal for 2-1
• Bournemouth at home. The whole afternoon 
• Gabriel’s penalty

I think that’ll do as regards awards. But I’d like to give extra flowers to Mikel (obviously), to Nicolas Jover, and especially to Gabriel Heinze who - whilst Carlos Cuesta had done an excellent job in his time at the club - appears to have injected a streak of steel and ruthlessness into the players.

It’s been great to see everyone pulling in the same direction; from Board and Management, to the playing staff and also to the fans - who have really started to get their act together and started to turn the stadium into a fortress. The scenes pre-Atletico won’t escape anybody’s memories any time soon, and the tifos have really got the mark. 

So… what’s next? Well, the switch in Chief Medical Officer recently announced would appear to mean that the club have acknowledged certain issues; after all, we’ve seen the likes of Havertz, Odegaard, Saka and Timber out for far longer than may have been expected during the course of the season. But it’s what happens next personnel-wise that’s going to be most interesting, as the club look to kick on further. 

There’s a clear opportunity, with City sure to need a reset, United due a culture shock as they suddenly need to play more than one game a week, Liverpool requiring plenty of defensive work, and other sides lagging well behind. As far as Arsenal are concerned, I reckon that there are probably sufficient numbers, and its quality as opposed to quantity that needs to be addressed. I’m not going to speculate, but I’d expect there to be questions about then Arsenal future of several players - but after naming them below I’ll merely leave it at that, and not speculate.

So… Kepa, White, Calafiori (?), Odegaard, Norgaard,  Nwaneri (?), Madueke, Martinelli, Trossard, Jesus. How are you going to play it, Mikel?

Meanwhile, with the likes of MLS, Nwaneri (hopefully) and Dowman coming through the ranks, the future continues to look bright.

Just to finish off, here’s a bit of fun. My Top 10 Most Punchable Faces in the Premier League. Feel free to add some more, but here’s a decent starting point:

Bruno Fernandes

Richarlison

Marc Cuccurella 

Emi Martinez

Alejandro Garnacho

Cole Palmer

Bernardo Silva 

Rodri

Erling Haaland

Djed Spence 

Anyway, enjoy the World Cup and your summer. Come on England (maybe - just maybe - it’s coming home?), and - of course - COYG!