Player Ratings 2013/14 - Part One: Goalkeepers

With the 13/14 season now consigned to the history books, it is a good time to look back and assess how the squad performed over the season. This review will be in four parts, starting with the Goalkeepers and finishing with the Attackers. By and large, the squad has progressed and had a positive season, which finished with a long awaited trophy. So without further ado, let’s get to it!

Wojciech SZCZESNY - 1

24 years old - 46 apps / 21 Clean sheets (16 PL / 5 CL)

One of the more effervescent members of the squad, Szczesny is now the undisputed number one at Arsenal. He’s developed a lot from the days he was threatening to leave because of a lack of playing time. This has probably been his best season so far and as such, he shared the ‘Golden glove’ award with Petr Cech (both achieved 16 clean sheets in the Premier League) and he’s certainly one of the most talented shot stoppers in the league. He’s weighed in with some very important performances and hasn’t really dropped any clangers. The question over his game has always been whether his natural self confidence has led to complacency or a lack of concentration. For me, he’s improved this a lot in the 13/14 season, probably aided a lot by the development of a fantastic back four in front of him.

Szczesny is one of my favourite players in the squad, he clearly loves the club and feels an affinity with the fans. He’s not shy in showing it either, with the infamous Sp*rs selfie and numerous Facebook updates displaying his passion for Arsenal. He would, however, benefit from toning it down a little. I love players having character and a real connection with the club, but the selfie was pretty ill judged and it would probably best if he focussed more on displaying his passion for the club he plays for, rather than goading those for which he doesn’t. A thoroughly impressive season for the young keeper and if he carries on this way, he could be a club legend in the future.

Season Rating - 8/10

Worst Moment - Arsenal 0-2 Bayern - Getting sent off against Bayern Munich. Szczesny misjudged his challenge on Arjen Robben and while the sending off was debatable, the penalty was not. Going down to 10 men left us with little hope in the tie and Szczesny compounded his mistake by making an obscene gesture as he left the field.

Best Moment - Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd - For me, the save he made from RvP in the 80th minute of the game is one of the best I’ve seen. It was a stunning reaction save at a very important time as well.

World Cup? - Unfortunately not. Poland will not be at the World Cup, but if they were, he’d be going for sure.

Will he stay? - An unequivocal YES. He doesn’t want to leave, we don’t want him to leave and that’s that.