Top 10 Arsenal Players 2012/13 by a Gooner

2. Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta had yet another stellar season at Arsenal, despite playing in a totally new position. It was almost inevitable that Song’s departure, coupled with the rediscovered beauty of the deep lying playmaker (a renaissance fittingly led by Pirlo at Euro 2012) that Mikel Arteta would have to fill the defensive void left by Alex Song. And he did it fantastically, showcasing his vision, ability to play a pass as well as his excellent leadership skills.

His tenacity in the tackle was needed more than ever, and he seemed to revel when given the captaincy, following Vermaelen’s dropping. People cooed over how Carrick won Manchester United the title, but Arteta beats him in terms of passes completed, touches of the ball and passes attempted. Panic buy? Jog on…

Best moment – Captaining the side through their resurgence that culminated in the securing of Champions League football yet again…once more, this can be pinpointed to the victory over Bayern Munich.