Gunnerblog End of Season Awards 2005
10 comments July 9th, 2005
This, pretty much, should do exactly what it says on the tin.
Player of the Season
For me, it has to be Thierry Henry. In what would almost certainly have been by far his most prolific year for Arsenal had it not been cut short by injury, he was at times simply astonishing. Highlights included his backheeled goal against Charlton, a couple of absolute belters against Crystal Palace, and the announcement that he will appear on the cover of Pro Evolution 5. The ultimate accolade.
Young Player of the Season
This is a close-run thing. Normally consistent performers like Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini would be front-runners, and Robin van Persie a dead-on certainty. However, this season has seen the rise of two even younger players who have, respectively, had a genuinely massive impact upon our game. Cesc Fabregas and Philippe Senderos have both performed with such distinction that it would not be out of the question for them to share the award. However, the fact that Fabregas did it game after game, all season long, at the tender age of 17, puts him just that little bit above the rest. What a player he could turn out to be.
Worst Player of the Season
A category that seems a little unfair, until I tell you that Manuel Almunia is the winner. Undisputed, really.
Game of the Season
Arsenal 5 – 3 Middlesbrough. What a match. Goals galore, a magnificent comeback, and a classic line from Martin Tyler. “Stand up for the Champions” indeed.
Worst Game of the Season
Performance wise, you’d probably have to say the FA Cup Final(!), but the low after losing the unbeaten record at Old Trafford was far far worse. It’s clear looking back that it really affected us. The subsequent fixtures provided the poor results that would ultimately cost us the title.
Highlight of the Season
For me, it was stealing the FA Cup. We didn’t really deserve it, but I couldn’t care less.
Disappointment of the Season
Again, I don’t want to appear harsh, but for me it was Jose Reyes. And only because he set such high standards at the start of the season. I think many of us expected him to be the pivotal figure to add a new dimension to our team. But with his mid-season dip, he was at times more hindrance than help. Looking back, I find it remarkable he’s still with us. Let’s hope he signs a new deal, and recaptures that scintilating form.
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All in all, last year was a rather good’un. It was always going to be hard to move forward after the astounding Invincible season. But we’ve maintained our strangle-hold on a top two place, and added another trophy to the cabinet. Chelsea are a financial monster who are going to be hard to match, but if anyone can do it, it’s our boys. Personally, I’m incredibly excited about what we could achieve next season.
I’m off to Spain for two weeks for my summer hols, so I doubt there’ll be many updates over that period.
I’ll try and smuggle Baptista back in my suitcase.
All the best.
