Arsenal's Bac-Man: A tribute to Bacary Sagna

When his brother Omar passed away in 2008, Sagna was scheduled to feature in Arsenal’s crucial knock-out game in the Champions League versus the mighty AC Milan at home in the San Siro. The task was daunting enough for Arsenal as no English team had ever beaten Milan on the hallowed grounds of the San Siro. Despite his grief, Sagna played the game and Arsenal went on to record a famous win. Such is the devotion of the player to the game that even in the face of adversity he takes it head on and conquers it.

His stellar performances in the 2010-2011 season earned him another personal accolade in the form of a place in the PFA team of the year, the second time he had achieved the honour since his debut season. Last season though, the player was pulled up for some ordinary performances, especially in the game against United at the Emirates where his ineptitude led to United’s equaliser. Even while going through patches of mediocrity, there were stellar performances from the Frenchman.

In a must win game for Arsenal at the Stadium of Light versus Sunderland, the Gunners had taken an early lead only to be reduced to ten men following Jenkinson’s dismissal. Sagna was deployed as an emergency centre back in the game and played an almost flawless game keeping the Black Cats at bay. Wave after wave of Sunderland offence was repelled by Sagna and the defence, and ultimately, Arsenal came away with the three points, three points that proved to be gold dust at the end of the season. Sagna was singled out for praise by the fans and media alike.

Despite several reports linking Sagna away from Arsenal, the player continues to play an integral part in Wenger’s plans. He was deployed again as an emergency centre back in a recent pre-season friendly, and from interviews he has recently given, he seems fully committed to the Arsenal cause to end this trophy drought. At a time when loyalty is rare in the game, Sagna’s devotion to Arsenal must be commended. He has undoubtedly been one of the Premier League’s best players over the last few seasons, and Arsenal fans will hope he recaptures that form again in the coming seasons.

With the rise of Carl Jenkinson, Sagna may need to play the role of mentor more than first team regular. The youngster would do well to take tips from the Frenchman and emulate him in every way possible. What one can say with certainty is that Sagna will go down in the history books as one of the finest fullbacks to have played for Arsenal Football Club. To paraphrase Commissioner Gordon: He is the hero Arsenal deserves, and the one it needs right now.