As we head into a new year, let us take a moment to reminisce the memories Arsenal gave us in 2020.
#1 Favorite moment: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s Cup final winner
Aubameyang’s winner against Chelsea in the FA Cup final with ‘Good old Arsenal’ playing in the background after the ball went in is something that will remain in my head for a long, long time.
#2 Most difficult moment: The COVID break between March-June
The 3 month period when the league was abruptly brought to a halt due to the COVID pandemic showed us all the integral part football plays in our lives and something we should never take for granted.
#3 Favorite game: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea – December 2020
It is very recent, but the 3-1 home victory to Chelsea is a match I will never forget. Arsenal were on a 7 match winless run in the league – Arteta utilized Emile Smith Rowe (20), Gabriel Martinelli (19), and Bukayo Saka (19) and they proved their worth by helping turn the team’s fortunes around.
#4 The game to forget: Arsenal 0-3 Aston Villa – November 2020
ALASTAIR GRANT/Getty Images
#5 Player of the year: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Whilst Aubameyang has been far from his best since October, when you look at it as a whole year, he has been our best player. He carried us last season in the league with 22 goals and scored a brace in the FA Cup semi-final and final. Let’s hope Auba gets back to his best soon!
#6 Young player of the year: Bukayo Saka
Saka has been nothing short of a revelation – playing at left-back, left central midfield, left-wing, and right forward – he has not only shown versatility, but the quality of his displays have also been phenomenal as well. No other youngster in the Premier league played more minutes than Saka in 2020.
#7 Mikel Arteta rating out of 10: 7.5
Arteta took over a side with 1 league win in almost 3 months in December, 2019. Measure the table from when Mikel took over to the end of last season – Arsenal were 5th, just a point off 4th. Not bad at all. Then, add an FA Cup and Community shield win. Excellent. We broke the big six away league jinx and have a 50% win record against these sides under Mikel. The last 50 days have been painful, but we slowly look to be coming back. I trust in Mikel.
On this note, I’d like to wish everyone a very happy new year – feel free to let me know your thoughts on the following Arsenal 2020 criterion in the comments below:
#1 Favorite moment
#2 Most difficult moment
#3 Favorite game
#4 The game to forget
#5 The player of the year
#6 Young player of the year
#7 Mikel Arteta rating out of 10