Remembering Arsenal's season 2013-14

Arsenals 2013-14 campaign had many ups ad downsfew being defeat to Aston villa, Transfer of Ozil , Loss to big four clubs, slip in March and FA cup triumph.Now let us relive some of the bright and dull moments of this season.

#1 Shocker to start off the campaign

Arsenal’s 1-3 loss to Aston Villa at home was one such painful moment in the season when even the hardcore Wenger fans were saying “With Wenger Arsenal Rust” such was the dire situation. The fans were going crazy with the minimalistic nature of Wenger in the transfer market.

Wenger has never been a fan of signing huge established stars he always went for lesser known players converting them into world renowned stars. But this season the trend did change as Gunners signed a German magician.

#2 Arrival of assist king - Mesut Ozil

After the shock defeat against Aston Villa and Wenger’s inability to sign any marquee players was makings fans and supporters restless. Arsenal were linked to many high profile signings such as Higuain (went to Napoli), David Villa (went to Atletico) and talks with Benzema failing.

On the transfer deadline day of summer 2013, Ozil moved to Arsenal for a club-record fee of £42.5 million. The transfer makes him the most expensive German football player of all time. This signing by Arsene instilled a new faith in the fans, supporters and also in the team itself. Arsenal was rejuvenated by the arrival of Mesut Ozil. Although his season was mediocre by his standards scoring 7 goals in 40 appearances and lead the assists chart with 9 of them.

#3 Rise of Rambo

Aaron James Ramsey aka Rambo’s rise from an injury stricken player to a saviour for Arsenal was meteoric. Prior to this season, his goals tally was 11 from 149 appearances, this season he scored 16 goals in 35 appearances. Such was the rise of Welsh man this season that each of his goals was a spectacle to watch out for. Ramsey’s form was a blessing in disguise for Arsenal, as he was taking the burden off Giroud (only notable striker) in the team others being Yaya Sanogo (still raw and unpolished), N Bendtner (known for his wild social life).

Prior to Ramsey's injury on 26 December 2013, Arsenal's win percentage was 68%. During his absence it fell to 55%. Despite missing over three months of the season, Ramsey remained the Arsenal player who has won the most tackles. He is also the team's second-top scorer for the season (16 goals), and has provided the second-highest number of assists for the season (8).

#4 Group of Death

After securing a last day 4th place in the previous season, Arsenal had to go through Champions League Qualification stage were their last hurdle was a tricky encounter with Fenerbahce which they cleared with a two leg aggregate of 5-0.

This year in UEFA Champions League 2013-2014, Arsenal where place alongside Napoli, Borusia Dortmund and Marseille. Arsenal prevailed it by registering few memorable wins against Napoli at Emirates winning by 2-0 and one at Iduna Park by defeating Borusia 1-0 at their home. Arsenal were 2nd in the Group of Death and faced last year’s reigning Champion Bayern Munich in the Round of 16, which Arsenal lost 3-1 on aggregate.

#5 Combination of youth and experience

Jack Wilshere came to his own this season played around 35 matches scoring 5 goals. One being the Premier League “Goal of the season” against Norwich City. His goals tally may not be great, but the kind of impact player he was on a game he played that everyone knows. He has this unique style of dribbling the ball where he lets his opponent see the ball when he is dribbling, but his close control is so good that when the defender tries to press him he will just make a mockery of him.

Another such notable performer this season has been of Tomas Rosicky, the veteran who signed in 2006 was considered a player who dictates the tempo of a match with his dribbling, one touch passing and ability to work tirelessly, but with constant injuries he wasn't able to deliver that promise, but this season he scored 3 goals all of which are superbly crafted. The output in terms of goals and assists may be less, but no one can question the impact he has on a game with his penetrative passing and making runs in empty spaces.

#6 Iron clad defence

Arsenal this season kept 17 clean sheets which is just 1 less than the leaders Chelsea. Arsenal conceded only 1 goal in a match 14 times this season that means of total 31 games we conceded only 14 goals.

But this defence was breached quite a few times but still it was one of the best in the league. We conceded 22 goals in 4 matches(5-0 Liverpool, 6-3 Manchester city, 6-0 Chelsea and 3-0 Everton) .

Arsenal thisseasoncould rely on Szczesny and the dynamic duo of Per and Koscielny whenever required, they had a commanding role at the back and guiding the team. Szczesny won the Golden Glove award for season 2013-14.

#7 128 Days at top

Yes, Arsenal where at top of the table for 128 days which is 114 days more than the League Champions Manchester City. But still we finished 4th on the table.

It was again a collapse which Arsenal are known for, one which we can’t be proud of.

#8 Defeats that cost us the title

This season Arsenal was very good when it came to playing mid table and bottom of the table clubs. But when it came to play against top clubs we just could win,

Teams	Matches	Win	Loss	Draw
Chelsea	2*	0	1	1
Everton	2	0	1	1
Liverpool	2*	1	1	0
Manchester City	2	0	1	1
Manchester United	2	0	1	1

• * FA cup and Carling cup wins excluded
• We lost heavily against Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and City which led to talks of our credibility to win the title. If we are to challenge for the title we need to win against these clubs.

#9 Olivier Giroud

Giroud this season was good a tally of 22 goals in 51 games is decent, but not title winning. He was bit unlucky at times, sometimes misses a hell lot of chances but one thing he kept doing was trying his best, relentlessly working had and keeping himself fit and playing 51 matches for the club. He knew how important his being fit is for the club, amidst all criticism and problems in his personal life he did his best.

What he need is a good striker who can compliment him, with his strong holding style and one touch passing he needs an all out striker with whom he can establish a striking partnership.

#10 End of trophy drought

This year ended on a high note with Arsenal ending the 9 year trophy drought by winning FA cup 3-2 against Hull city.This was a match where Arsenal won it by coming from 2-0 down to win it 3-2,with Aaron Ramsey scoring the winner.

Hopefully, this trophy will just be a start of many titles to come. With the monkey off his back Wenger will be more rejuvenated and focused.