Again, I am scoring based upon actual performance, not expectation (meaning, how did they play overall NOT did they meet/exceed expectations), on a scale of 1 (absolute rubbish) to 10 (couldn’t ask for more from that position).

Midfield:

Jack Wilshere (7): Oh Jacky boy… SO happy to have you back in the fold and starting. Really a solid first full season with AFC. Injected pace and energy when needed and really provided a nice lift across the squad. Sad to see him drift off a bit after a late injury but more than anything it seems that his dip in form probably was tied to just being tired; this was his first full season in some time so a bit of slack is given to the late drop off.

Theo Walcott (8): Los pollitios dicen, Theo Theo Theo. A little spanish chicklet song from back in the day… This little birdie finally sprung and while he tended to drop off at times he finished solid and played well enough to solidify his future with the starting spot. The big knock on Theo this year was he could be a bit selfish on the attack and he definitely could have used more work on his dropping back to help on defense (not to mention he might look like Ronaldo on set pieces but he can’t finish like him… at all). That said, he did a fine job finishing and his pace is constant threat.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6): AOC kind of pulled a TV5 in the sense that he finished last season strong and really looked to build upon that going into this season. Unfortunately, he never really worked his way into the squad regularly but provided spark off the bench and is certainly garnering looks for Country. All in all, produced some fine moments but still needs to build on his youthful exuberance.

Aaron Ramsey (7): Oh Rambo. Really had a difficult time (played out of position?) starting the year but become one of our brightest spots come the last two months. Paired nicely with Rosicky and helped push us forward when we started to play stagnant. Finally got himself into the scoring game but really needs to focus now on the final touch/pass and playing a little less reckless (still one aspect I don’t mind about his game though given that AFC can play so conservative at times).

Santi Cazorla (8.5): OH SAN-TI CA-ZORRRR-LA! Brilliant year really… just brilliant. Our facilitator and playmaker, it was nice to see the early dive was never seen again and he kept pushing us with the tactical acumen we have been missing since Cesc. If anything, there were a few times during the year he kind of went absent but all in all a VERY solid year, first or otherwise, for the Spaniard; let’s keep it going next year.

Abou Diaby (5): Sadly, we saw a great bright spot in the early games quickly lost to injury and never returning. Diaby has always been that cog we could have used a number of times but just kept breaking. I believe that this is probably the last we will see of him in an Arsenal kit but I wish him well on his rehab and possible twilight career in the MLS.

Francis Coquelin (5): He was serviceable during his brief playing time but this lad suffers from being so deep on the depth chart. He did well enough when played but the fact that we really had to turn to him at times this year shows how shallow we are with fielding a truly top tier team. At this point in his career he needs more minutes if he is going to take his game to the next level; just don’t see that happening anymore than it did this year though.

Tomas Rosicky (7): Rosick-ly, after some in and out injury issues, really stepped up his game and brought serviceable attacking football when it seems like Santi dropped off a bit too much. Was happy to see him pull a brace out (never saw that coming) and the link up play he added late in the year proved to be exactly what we needed in order to make our final push. Truth is, we will need more from him (or someone in his position) if we are to challenge for titles and hardware next season.

Mikel Arteta (8): Give him the armband. He is our our true Captain and he provided his solid play all year. You can’t ask for more than what he did and his only blemish, IMHO, was a missed penalty early in the year (happy to see that was an anomaly). Mikel has fully embraced his role at the club and he plays it to perfection; his game is as tidy as his perfect hair. Chalk us up for another year like this for next.

Forwards: 

Olivier Giroud (7.5): The Hey Hey Hey man solidified himself as our big man in the center of our attack and was more than serviceable with his head, his chest and his link up play. A really balanced season statistically saw him provide goals and assists but from our main “striker” I am going to expect much, much more. Hard to argue with his play in set pieces but his foot left something to be a bit desired for throughout most of the season. All things aside, we’ll see how much his style of play will help or hinder our wingers come next year.

Gervinho (5.5): Well, he started off hot. Then? Not so much. Nothing like “confidence” killing your game when you are a professional footballer getting paid boat loads of money. Look, I have played sports. I understand how much your “head” can get in the way of your game. But I was no professional and at some point you don’t get to keep making excuses. If the lad could actually finish instead of botching so many shots he would be an incredible striker with his pace. Unfortunately, all we get are glimpses and then when we need to rely on him we get frustration. Hoping that we can sell him. And I’m sure he will do great elsewhere…

Lukas Podolski (7): I really wanted him to be the guy that rockets shots into the net off of Giroud’s stylistic layoffs but injury? fitness? something kept him from getting full minutes until a suspension saw us rely on his Thor-ish leg. If he can get “right” I see no reason for him to not be a great striking addition to the club. Unfortunately, something was amiss and he looks to be a second, very solid, option come next year. Needs to work a bit more on defense and his first touch, but that should come with a bit more playing time (hopefully). He is the depth we need on offense if/when healthy.