So, in the absence of any interesting Arsenal news whatsoever, except for the anxious glances up to Manchester, where around 50m is being spent on three players to strengthen the champions, it is finally time for The Beautiful Groan's review of the season. Champagne moments, and those times you wished the ground would swallow you whole. Without further ado, let's get on with it.

Moment of the Season:

5) Henry's injury time winner against Man Utd, January

The game was petering out, a draw was looking likely, and in all honesty that would've been fair, but then Eboue pinged over a superb cross, and there was Henry, powering a header home in injury time, to secure the league double over United. Lovely.

4) Lehmann's save from Solskjaer, Old Trafford, September

Same opponents, different match. After Adebayor had put us ahead after an excellent performance, Lehmann pulled off the save of the season with a remarkable one-handed stop from Solskjaer. Without it, we'd have had three points from our first four games. As it was, it sparked a winning streak.

3) Walcott's goal in the Carling Cup final, February

The media like to remember the game for all the wrong reasons, but what we should remember it for is a first half in which the kids completely outplayed a star studded Chelsea team, experienced in cup finals. What a time for Theo's first goal, and what a beauty it was. Shame the result didn't go for us, but a great moment.

2) Cesc nutmegging Savage in the 6-2 win over Blackburn, December

The five goals that came before tasted beautiful against a Blackburn side who never try to do anything except kick us off the park. But the icing on the cake was when Fabregas made Savage look like a complete fool with a beautiful nutmeg, before his shot was turned in by Flamini. All while Savage lay prone and clueless. Sweet.

1) Van Persie's volley against Charlton, September

Technically perfect, just an utterly awesome goal. Good cross by Eboue, but only a handful of players in the world could strike that volley. Stunning. Enjoy it again here.

Special mention - Henry's goal in the 2-0 win over Blackburn, January

Worst Moment of the Season:

5) Watching Chelsea lift the Carling Cup, February

Perhaps it was the arrogance they showed, perhaps it was the sight of Cole gloating having sat on the bench all game, but whatever it was, it hurt.

4) Benni McCarthy's winner in the FA Cup, February

It was inevitable. I remember watching the game and about five minutes before the goal, I called it. It had 1-0 to Blackburn written all over it. Great goal, but a terrible couple of weeks.

3) West Ham's winner at Upton Park, November

The goal that sparked the melee, if you can call it that. Pardew went nuts, Wenger got angry, and we lost a game that we should've won. It got worse when they completed the league double at the Emirates.

2) Alex's equaliser in the Champions League, March

A player we always knew belonged to Chelsea put in a sterling defensive performance and then knocked us out with a header. In that moment we knew the season was over, and somehow we'd lost to the worst side left in the competition. Liverpool proved that in the next round.

1) Crouch completing his hattrick, March

Not the first painful hattrick against Arsenal - Fowler's four minute burst still haunts me, and I remember even Coventry's resident lardarse Micky Quinn scoring one on the opening day some years back. But on the back of an awful performance, to concede a hattrick to a man who quite frankly shouldn't be scoring hattricks against Watford, was just embarrassing.

Performance of the Season:

5) 6-3 Liverpool (a) January

Yes, Liverpool put out a weak side, but so did we, and they got torn apart by two players, in Baptista and Aliadiere, who looked utterly hopeless for the rest of the season. It was clinical, it was ruthless, and it was a wonderful night at Anfield.

4) 6-2 Blackburn (h) December

The game was close for too long, but in the last twenty minutes the team was unstoppable, culminating in that beautiful nutmeg moment we've already talked about.

3) 1-0 Man Utd (a) September

Many people forget just how good this performance once. Bearing in mind it was the only game United lost in ages, and that fact that it was won despite Gilberto slipping and missing a penalty, it was a tremendous result, especially on the back of a poor start.

2) 4-0 Reading (a) October

Reading accomplished much in their first Premiership season, but they made the fatal flaw of attacking an Arsenal team in the mood. They were brutally cut apart, in one of the team performances of the season. Vintage.

1) 3-1 Liverpool (a) January

Very few gave a side missing Cesc through suspension a chance, especially at Anfield against the holders. But having survived early possession, Rosicky scored two terrific goals, and Henry sealed the win, making Carragher, otherwise one of the defenders of the season, look like a fool.

Special mentions - Carling Cup final first half, and everything but the finishing at home to CSKA Moscow.

Worst Performance of the Season:

5) 0-1 Everton (a) March

The infuriating thing is that Everton didn't even play well, but they had a striker on the pitch capable of putting the ball in the net, and he did, in the final minute.

4) 1-0 Wigan (h) December

Yes, we won the match, but only through one brilliant Cesc pass after nearly ninety minutes of some of the most painful football I have ever seen. It's a good thing Wigan were even more hopeless that night.

3) 0-1 Sheff Utd (a) December

Of course we know the Blades are good at home. But when you're 1-0 down, and an outfield player has to go in goal for half an hour, it would help if you gave him something to do. We didn't, and paid for it.

2) 1-2 Fulham (a) November

Terrible defending all through the game meant we could've conceded more against a side that hasn't beaten us since footballers wore shorts down to their ankles. We never lose to Fulham.

1) 1-4 Liverpool (a) March

What can be said about this 'performance'. It was shocking in every way. How can a player like Peter Crouch can be made to look so good? The worst thing was that we actually had our first choice defence back after numerous injuries. You couldn't tell.

Player of the Season:

5) Emmanuel Adebayor

With Henry and Van Persie injured for so long, I couldn't really include them, otherwise RVP may have got this nod, but Manu has won over the fans spectacularly this season, with work rate, determination, passion, and better finishing. He could be a wonderful player.

4) Kolo Toure

The speedy Ivorian remains probably our best defender, and in the first half of the season especially he was incredible. He has this 'thou shalt not pass' attitude and more like him would suit us right down to the ground.

3) Gael Clichy

Ashley who? Fragile he may be, but after a late start to the season he has been superb. Mature, he has improved his distribution and shown a willingness to learn. Injuries are still a worry, but his ability isn't.

2) Cesc Fabregas

I came close to counting him signing an eight year contract amongst the best moments of the season. What a player - it is incredible to think he is only just out of his teens. By the end of his contract he'll still only be 27. Awesome.

1) Gilberto

He didn't have a great season before this one, but took on the simultaneous roles of midfield enforcer, goalscorer and captain with superb results. His scoring run around the turn of the year was quite astonishing for a man not renowned for it, but his unfussy work in midfield, coupled with his leadership, make him my player of the season.

Disappointment of the Season:

5) Emmanuel Eboue

The frustrating thing is that he can be so good, but right now he's just building up a reputation for diving, play acting, and generally being an idiot. That will cost games. Ask Pires. Manu is a superb player going forward, and has shown signs of improving his defensive work, but much more is required.

4) Jeremie Aliadiere

I've always had high hopes for Aliadiere - having seen him years ago in the League Cup he seemed to have superb natural talent. But surely his time at Arsenal is now up. He is older than Adebayor, older than Van Persie, and not even close to their level. He finally got his run, but didn't take it.

3) Alexander Hleb

For the first half of the season he was solid, for the second he was often abysmal. Gives the ball away too much , can't/won't shoot, and doesn't track back enough. That said, he is a player who wonderful skills, and he should be given at least one more season to put it right.

2) William Gallas

Talks too much for a player who makes simple mistakes on the pitch. Has criticised everyone this season from the kids, to the medical staff. Needs to shut up and play football like we know he can.

1) Julio Baptista

Such a shame. When he arrived we were all full of hope that he could be the powerhouse linking midfield and attack, bombing forward and scoring hatfuls of goals. And it started promisingly, with a superb run at Old Trafford as a substitute. I remember thinking 'we've got a player here', but that, along with his Carling Cup efforts, have been a flash in the pan. His finishing is woeful, his penalty taking is even worse, and despite his best efforts he has failed miserably.

Elsewhere:

Player of the Season:

Cristiano Ronaldo. Drogba came close after Ronaldo's poor last month, but not close enough.

'Juan Sebastien Veron' award for flop of the Season:

Michael Ballack. Many focus on Shevchenko, but he has been played in a withdrawn position, at a time in his career where he's lost his pace. It doesn't work, but at least he's tried his hardest. Which is more than you can say for Ballack, who looks disinterested despite his astronomical wages.

Manager of the Season:

Steve Coppell. Dignified, successful and plays football the right way.

Special integrity award:

Aidy Boothroyd. Never gave up the fight with a team plainly not good enough. Made them very hard to beat.

Worst manager of the season:

Alan Pardew. Made West Ham useless again, decided that Reo-Coker and Mullins were better than Mascherano, lost the dressing room, danced like an idiot, got sacked, and then took Charlton down while watching Curbishley show him how to do it.

Prat of the Season:

Michel Platini. It worries me greatly that he is now head of UEFA.

'Dan Smith' award for terrible tackling:

Michael Brown. Not for one in particular, but for numerous two footed lunges, headbutts, and tackles barely deserving of the name.

'Alexander Hleb' award for lack of end product:

Alexander Hleb. There can be only one.

Comedy Moment:

Lehmann and Drogba in the most pathetic 'bout' ever.

'We couldn't see each other in grey' award for poor excuses:

Michael Brown claiming an accidental clash of heads left Alonso with a blood soaked face. Uh huh, and Cantona just collided with that fan.

'A***** C***' award for on-field dislikability

5) Didier Drogba.

Not as bad as he's been before, because he's cut out a lot of the diving antics, but as Eboue may find out, mud sticks and reputations are hard to lose. Now makes the list because he's annoyingly good.

4) Robbie Savage

His main skill is getting the most placid people sent off. Dion Dublin, now Gilberto. How does he do it?

3) Cristiano Ronaldo

For that pained look every time his dives don't win a penalty. For that strop you know is only seconds away. For the way he just knowingly cheats, despite his ability meaning he doesn't need to.

2) John Terry

I've said it before - I think Terry is an utter disgrace. He tries to influence referees every match, swearing at them, intimidating them, and taking things in his own hands. If he was foreign, the media would lambast him. Trust me - watch his actions in any Chelsea game next season.

1) Ashley Cole

Don't tell me I have to explain this one. He's so far removed from reality it just isn't funny anymore.

Special mentions to Michael Brown and Lee Bowyer

'Red for Life Kenyon' award for off-field dislikability

5) Jose Mourinho

For a while his arrogance was funny. For a very short while. Now he's just tiresome, and his rants are getting more desperate. Claiming that United get all the penalties when the stats say otherwise made him look like a fool. Living proof that money can't buy integrity.

4) Jamie Redknapp

His commentary and analysis is painful. He is so horribly biased it's untrue. When Chelsea lost to Spurs he went on and on about how well Chelsea played. When Liverpool play he hangs his supporters hat out. And he talks utter rubbish.

3) Alan Pardew

Dances like a moron, talks rubbish, thinks he's better than he is. Enjoy the Championship.

2) Sepp Blatter

Quite how he keeps his job is beyond me. Some of his ideas are so ludicrous that you have to wonder whether he's a plant in some reality show. He'd like to see women wear skimpier outfits, Africa to host the Champions League final, and England to get thrown out of every club competition for the next fifty years. Probably.

1) Peter Kenyon

A lifelong Man Utd fan who defected for money and power. Slimy, horrible demon in a suit who make agents look clean cut.

Special mentions to Michel Platini and Graham Poll

How was yours?

It's not often a player comes out and has a bit of a moan, and you end up sympathising with him - usually it's a petulant gripe, if not at quite the 'I swerved off the road' level.

But you have to feel for Mathieu Flamini, who after being frozen out looks to be leaving this summer.

Whether Wenger lacked faith in his ability to perform in the big games, or whether he was just plain unlucky, he makes a good point about the finals he missed. That he played every game in the FA Cup run three years ago, only to miss the final, I wasn't aware of, but we all know about this one:

"Last year, I played in every match in the Champions league but was left on the bench for the final."

This was incredibly harsh. We all knew it at the time, it was a matter of debate in the days leading up to the final. Cole had regained fitness, but Flamini had been part of a defence that was ten games unbreached in Europe. Who should play? The choice divided opinion, but what swayed it for me was the attitude of the chosen player.

Had Cole not met Chelsea, had we not already realised he was probably on his way out anyway, then his selection may have been justified. After all, he was at the time bordering on being the best left back in the world (now, it's debatable whether he's even the best left back at his club). In a big game, the biggest of all perhaps, you could argue that loyalty comes second to sheer talent.

But that wasn't the case. We knew it would be Cashley's last game. He'd been out injured, whinging, meeting Chelsea before a huge league game, complaining about being hung out to dry, and preparing to slate our club in the press. He didn't deserve his spot. Flamini on the other hand, had shown how a model professional behaves. He'd (at the time) happily played out of position, filling in where needed and when needed, and unfussily gone about his job with the highest workrate and passion he could manage. We loved him - he knew he was up against it and he won battles against some of the best players in the game through sheer determination.

It must've been some kick to be left out of the final. It would hurt anyone, especially after the work they'd put in to get you there.

His subsequent request to only play in midfied may not have been the smartest move he made. Perhaps he felt unfulfilled at left back, but he could've made that work, and as it is he's chosen to compete in the most crowded area of the squad. As a result, he is surplus to requirements.

So it's probably so long to Mathieu, and thanks - there are some great memories along the way, some crucial goals (Liverpool and Chelsea this season spring to mind), some superb performances (alongside Cesc two seasons ago against Chelsea, when predicted to be overrun, is prominent), and some sheer hard work. He's a credit. Good luck to the goal machine.

Julio Baptista has spoken up and told us what we already know (except for my earlier wild speculation) - we won't be signing him on a permanent basis. Arsenal fans the world over will be absolutely gutted. Not.

In fairness to the Brazilian, he's had an infuriating year and he isn't one of these players who is simply terrible - we've seen how good he is for Seville especially, and in moments for Real and us. But he never clicked, never inspired, never looked comfortable. Whether the English game wasn't for him, or it was something else, we'll probably never know. But don't be surprised if he signs for another Spanish club this summer and rips the league apart next season.

I can't help but think he's a little deluded though. Take these quotes:

"Arsenal have told me they are not able to buy me and so all I can do is return to Real Madrid,"

Not able? He sounds like that kid in school who was always picked last for the team, and the teacher tries to tell him it's because he's so small people can't see him, and really he is a wonderful player. Julio, replace the words 'not able to' with 'never in a million years going to' and you'll make more sense.

"I adapted well. I didn't play much at first but finished much better"

Hmm. You see, Mr Baptista, sir, you didn't. You never adapted, you never looked happy, you didn't enjoy yourself and you were, for the most part, utterly useless. We were all excited by your signing, but it never happened. You didn't 'finish much better', in fact finishing was exactly your problem. If you think you played more because you were playing well, think again.

Anyway, on to the rest of the squad analysis.

Thierry Henry

Anyone who stills thinks our captain should be sold is a fool. If any season demonstrated his contribution, it was this one - the one when he wasn't there. He actually scored quite a few goals for someone who barely got a game in and was never fit when he did.

We need our best goalscorer back. That is one thing Wenger is spot on about - we have new signings next season without even making them.

Robin Van Persie

The season's top scorer hasn't play since January, which is a shame as he was really beginning to show that he's made the step up from potential match-winner to regular star. I have a feeling next season will be huge for the Dutchman - he was superb in the World Cup, and in his run of club games, and free from injury, and fresh, he will be hungrier than ever.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Last summer so many were questioning the African, wondering if he was at the level required, or just another Heskey style player. He'll never be a 20 goal striker, but much like Dirk Kuyt at Liverpool he's a fan favourite because of his energy, workrate, and chasing of lost causes. More than once his harrying has directly led to a goal, and the indirect lift he can give the crowd and the team is invaluable.

His finishing needs to improve somewhat, and his first touch can be laboured at times, but he is still young, and the attitude we heard about before he arrived hasn't materialised. His agent seems like a prat, but with a new long term contract his future is bright here.

Julio Baptista / Jeremie Aliadiere

I'm putting these two together to stop me doing a copy-paste. It goes a little like this.

You aren't good enough, you tried, but failed. Time to go now.

Nicklas Bendtner

I'm yet to be convinced. He seems confident in his own ability, which is good, but the comments he has come out with suggest that perhaps he's a little too ambitious to pay his dues. Who knows. Started brilliantly for Birmingham last season, but tailed off and the crowd turned against him for a while.

Many people think he is the answer. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and see what he can do first, but I'm less certain.

Carlos Vela

Looks like he's spending another season in Spain, and has yet to decide who with. Top league would be good for him this time around, rather than the second division he's been playing in with Salamanca. He's a hard one to find information on.

Van Persie to go to Bayern?

Yeah, right.

Owen to sign for Arsenal?

Give me a break.

Rio Mavuba to shun an Arsenal move?

Is that a bit like Zokora 'shunning a move' last summer? Kinda hard to say no to an unasked question, Rio.

Briand being tracked?

As reported by L'Equipe, which talks more tosh that your average politician.

Henry to leave?

I'm getting deja vu....

Honestly, are we going to have to sit through this crap all summer?

Rest of the season review is on the way.

After the cup final raised barely a smile - Chelsea winning the trophy after the dullest final I can remember, the only interesting thing going on in the football world is the continued garbage that the tabloids print as 'newsworthy'.

I often wonder what it takes to be a columnist in such a paper. Take Harry Harris, who comes up with twenty outrageous 'exclusives' a month (which is a wonderful synonym of 'lie', or more accurately 'complete pile of fabricated donkey crap'), and then proclaims himself as a clairvoyant when the only one with a nugget of truth in it comes to fruition. He surely isn't such an idiot that he believes what he is printing, is he? Surely when these columnists see a full interview and then completely distort it, deliberating taking things out of context, they know exactly what they're doing?

And surely, deliberate lies in a newspaper should be fought against more strongly?

Unfortunately, we live in a world where 'I hope X stays' is printed as 'X will leave, as revealed in our EXCLUSIVE interview', and a mate's cousin who met a random guy who'd spoken two words to a pissed footballer once, five years ago, is considered a reliable source.

Then, there's just transparent rubbish. Take the 'latest' story about Gallas, from the back end of last week. Ignoring the obvious, that these quotes are from a couple of months ago, can you spot the other flaw in the story?

Gallas also claimed Arsenal’s punishing pre-season programme left him exhausted following the World Cup and cited that as the reason for his own injury plagued campaign.

"When I came back from the World Cup, I wanted a month off to give myself a rest," he said. "Clubs need to change their perspective on this matter.

"It is better for them to let their players rest for three weeks after a big international tournament rather than playing them and seeing them get injured and be out for three months. That is what happened with me last season."

World Cup Final - 9 July 2006

Gallas joins Arsenal - 31 August 2006, over seven weeks later. Not during pre-season. Not in that month he wanted off. So exactly what part of that was a dig at Arsenal?

Moronic reporting at its very best.

Tomas Rosicky

Blows hot and cold - scored a sublime first goal for Arsenal against Hamburg, then provided the miss of the season against Moscow. He's been badly hampered by injuries this season and we have to hope that's down to luck. Towards the end of the season, he showed a goalscoring touch, timing a couple of superb runs into the box. Could be a regular on either flank, cutting inside. He's got the ability, and he can hit them too.

Freddie Ljungberg

Many think he's past it now and should be sold. I say keep him, as long as he's happy playing the squad role. He showed against Bolton that he still has the finisher's touch when he feels comfortable, and although his pace is gone and he suffers from continual injury, he can fill in when we need him to. Sure, he'll never be a regular first choice again, but if he's happy to accept that I think we should keep him for another year. If he can't, the we should get 3-4m for him. He's not old yet, and could still do a fantastic job for a lesser team.

Alexander Hleb

Hleb comes second only to Julio Baptista on the list of players people seem to want kicked out the door. Personally, I'd like to see him stay at least another year.

There's no doubting Hleb is a skilful dribbler, but his main two problems this season have been an inability or unwillingness to shoot, rather try to pass, and his repeated trick of passing to the opposition and not tracking back. He has recognised the first problem, and needs to be given a chance to rectify it.

As for the second, we get constantly frustrated with Hleb playing poor final balls. I'd like to see him play alongside our first choice strikers, making the runs he is looking for, and with the ability to finish those chances he creates. Then we'll see how good he is.

Give him another year.

Theo Walcott

I mention him here because chances are he'll be playing on the wing again next season. He's shown flashes of ability to justify his price tag, and at the age he is we can expect no more than that. His cool finishing for the Under 21s and in the Carling Cup final bodes very well.

I'd like to see him play 20-25 games next season, playing up front in the League Cup. Has a lot of promise.

Gilberto

Player of the season? Certainly a strong contender, for a whole host of reasons. He protected a back four gallantly, he led the team and appeared to be captain by proxy at times, and he scored more goals than the rest of the midfield. What concerns me is that I think this season's goal tally is a one off. There were quite a few penalties, and other than that, he only scored in that superb run he had before Christmas. Since then, he's back to normal. I can't help but think that even though he's been in goalscoring form this season, we'll have to look elsewhere for goals from the midfield next time around.

Overall though, he's had a superb season, and now he may even have competition for his place, which should drive him onwards.

Abou Diaby

After Dan Smith assaulted him last season, he took some time to recover, but since he's returned he's, at times, prompted us all to comment how Vieira-like he is. Other times, he looks a bit out of place, but that's probably because he can't get into he favoured position. Central midfield is a crowded place, we won't know how good he is until he gets a run there.

Cesc Fabregas

What can be said about Cesc that hasn't already? He is approaching legendary status already and he's only recently turned 20. It's astonishing to think how could he can be, and with most players with his ability you'd expect a little complacency. Not Cesc. When interviewed, as a teenager, is a language other than his native tongue, he still came across as one of the more mature players around.

His eight year contract will make Arsenal fans everywhere smile. Sure, he wants to go back to Spain one day. But not yet, not even nearly.

As for this season, his first half was awesome, before he tailed off a little. What impressed me the most is that he came out to say the midfield needed to score more, and then took it upon himself to take those shots and drive himself forward. Inspiring.

Denilson

What a prospect. Who wouldn't want to have a young skilful Brazilian with a terrific work ethic and a willingness to wait for his chances in the team?

Denilson crept in almost unnoticed on deadline day last year, and although he wasn't expected to feature at all this season, contributed well, in the cups especially. It's too early to heap too much on his shoulders, but a squad player like him really helps fill out the ability in the squad. Still needs to build himself up physically though.

Mathieu Flamini

Chose to fight for his place in the most crowded area of the squad, and failed. Always tried his best, scored a few important goals, but will probably move on this summer, and good luck to him.

Alex Song

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Conclusions - sell Song, Flamini, bring in a winger. Get Cesc, Rosicky and Hleb into goalscoring positions more, and make another call on Hleb and Ljungberg next summer.

Gael Clichy

Ashley who? I always hoped he could step into Cole's boots, and in the times the little money grabber was injured he always slotted in well. But I never expected him to have the level of season he's had. For me, he is our most improved player this season, and a challenger for the full player of the season (which'll come later). Has the pace to make a challenge instantly and recover if he doesn't win it, and most of all, works his socks off. For that he is loved by the fans, and rightly so. He is improving at a superb rate, and my only concern is his susceptibility to injury. Although we've been unlucky with injuries this season, we have been fortunate that he's stayed fit with such young backup. Justifiably first choice.

Armand Traore

From a playing perspective, he appears to have a lot of similarities to Eboue, in that he is tricky, looks very promising going forward, but defensively is far from sound. At such a tender age, he has an excuse for this though, and will surely improve. Looks very bright, and with experience will become a very good left back. But is he ready if Clichy gets injured and Bill doesn't move to left back? I'd like to see him play 15 games, often in cups, but not 40.

Emmanuel Eboue

Having just signed a new contract Eboue is here to stay, and for that I am glad. He is a truly fine talent, especially going forward, and has the ability to become a better defensive full back too. That said, to become the player he can be he needs to buckle down, cut out his on field antics, and get on with it. He now has a reputation (earned) for diving, and such reputations are nigh on impossible to shift. Showed in the derby at the end of the season that when he cuts out the idiocy he can be a superb player. If he applies himself, he could be first choice for years to come. Remember a year ago he was being compared with Garrincha. Was that over the top? Probably. But the talent is there.

Justin Hoyte

Could Hoyte and Eboue be more different? Hoyte's strength is his defending, and there he has improved massively, but still offers little going forward, which is an area to work on. Probably doesn't have Eboue's natural talent, but does have application and work rate. For me he's an excellent stand-in, but I'd pick Eboue for his talent alone, and then drop him for a while when he starts playing up. It worked with Jens, it may work here.

Kolo Toure

Utterly immense for the first half of the season, then made a few poor mistakes towards the end, but we can forgive him for that because quite frankly he must've been exhausted. I still don't understand why he plays every game in every competition, he surely can't be that fit, can he? Does he not need a rest? He is consistently superb, and for me he should be our next captain. Plenty of years left in him, and he is one player who never stops fighting. Might one day score with one of those belters from distance, but at least he's willing to have a go.

William Gallas

Much criticised on the blogs, the papers have picked up on the vibes from the fans and reprinted the same story periodically throughout the season. Even Wenger's trying to convince us that he'll be better next time around. In my opinion, he's been a disappointment this season, which, if he'd kept his mouth shut, we may have just attributed to injuries (note not many have criticised Rosicky). Unfortunately, Bill has a tendency to spout off to the press, criticising everything from the medical staff to the young players who provided the season's highlight. I don't want to see him at left back, as he'd stunt the growth we have there, and his partnership with Kolo isn't working. Given the Ivorian's ability, leadership and battling skills, that means Gallas isn't a first teamer in my eyes. Would be a great squad player, especially covering from the bench, but you know he won't accept that. If someone gave us another 5m for him, I'd be happy to show him the door. Alternatively, if he knuckled down, shut up, and played a squad game, I'd happily cheer him every week.

Phillippe Senderos

Such a confidence player. When on a run, he is a virtual brick wall that cannot be passed, but when short on belief, he makes such basic mistakes. I think he needs a run in the team to believe in himself, and only then will the real Senderos come out. The comparisons with Adams emerge when he's on song, but his confidence problem can be best demonstrated by putting him up against his nemisis, Drogba. Since that Charity Shield game a couple of years ago he's feared the irritatingly talented Ivorian. If I was Wenger I'd tell Senderos he was, as of now, a first choice centre back, and give him a run in the team alongside Kolo. If that happens, they could form quite the partnership, and actually have some aerial presence backed up by Toure's recovery pace. Sorry Bill.

Johann Djourou

Here is a prime example of how we expect too much too soon. He looked fantastic when he first broke into the side, but he's too raw to be playing at centre back week in week out at the moment. He reminds me a bit of Mattias Sammer, with the ability to bring the ball out of defence with authority, and this bodes very well. Like some others., he also works very hard and seems to have a superb team ethic. When in the side, he is committed. When out, he works at getting back in, quietly. Whether his best position is central defender or defensive midfielder is still a question, but a ball carrying centre back is probably what he'll be for the foreseeable.

So there we have it. The good point is that we have two players for every position, which is key at this level, and Traore is probably the only one you'd be uncomfortable about relying on for ten games in a row, and only then because of his tender age.

Two negatives - the first I touched on already, and that is William Gallas. My first choice backline is Clichy-Senderos-Toure-Eboue, with Gallas on the bench, and Hoyte, Traore and Djourou waiting in the wings. Gallas won't accept that, while the other three would simply knuckle down and try to force their way back in. I can't help but think that while a player of his experience adds guidance to the squad, it may be a happier place if he wasn't around. Who knows what happens behind the scenes - maybe he's more helpful than he appears, but if he left, we'd need another centre back but I wouldn't be too concerned.

The other negative also relates to Gallas, and the partnership he has with Toure. As I said above, this would be resolved by dropping Gallas, but I can't see Wenger doing that. How brave a decision is he willing to make?

Part one of the squad analysis. Bear in mind I'm not going into the depths of the youth team, as although some may get the odd run out next season, they shouldn't be relied on, so they're not really relevant when considering the current squad strength.

Jens Lehmann

An up and down season for the crazy German, ranging from the sublime (that save at Old Trafford) to the ridiculous (diving even more poorly than Drogba).

Some wanted him gone this summer, but not me. How can we lament the loss of experience last summer, and then try to offload all our elder statesmen? The same argument could apply to others, but I'll come to that later. For now, Jens may be as mad as a brush, but he organises the defence, gives them a presence to be confident in, and most importantly, is still an excellent keeper. Beyond the Old Trafford save, one against Reading was particularly superb. He's currently the best we have, so let him stay.

Besides, anyone who can crack me up as he did mocking Kirkland's time-wasting deserves another year.

Manuel Almunia

Improved a lot over the past two seasons. Apparently the best keeper in training, he's become a lot more reliable on matchday, fully contributing in big matches. Carling Cup run did him good, but with the signing of Fabianski will probably head back home to seek out first team football.

Was probably hanging around to see if he could succeed Jens, but that looks unlikely now. If he does leave this summer, it'll be with thanks. Good man Manuel, you've been fine. And a wonderful juxtaposition to Jens - he is utterly unflappable.

Mart Poom

Can anyone tell me what the point of Mart Poom is? Most clubs have a first choice keeper, a backup keeper, and a youth keeper. We seem to have a third choice who is neither young, or particularly good, so what's the point?

Poom was originally signed on loan some time back when we were struggling with keeper unavailability, but I was as surprised as anyone to see him follow that up with a permanent deal. I'm never rated him, never will, and don't understand why someone would be happy knowing they'll never get near the first team, at the age he is. Maybe he wanted to tell his grandkids he played for Arsenal.

Whatever it is, I'm more than happy for him to go, and have Lehmann backed by young players with promise. There's nothing wrong with having potential as backup.

Tomorrow - our fabulous defence. Stop sniggering in the back.

More dropped points against a side a championship challenger would routinely beat, more missed chances, another Baptista missed penalty - was this exactly like so many other games?

In a word, no. But only because we kept a clean sheet.

Given that no-one seemed to give two hoots about it, the draw wasn't surprising, but with Liverpool's minds on the Champions League final, third should've been snapped up. But bygones are bygones, especially when you're a hulking Brazilian who's afraid of the rain and zooming back to Madrid in record time.

Various season reviews are on the way, with an analysis of every part of the team, best and worst moments of the year, and then a look forward.

Before that, I'll leave you with a betting tip. This time last year, when Curbishley left Charlton, I punted that they'd go down this season. They have. Now I'm doing the same for next season, only with Bolton this time.

I just have a funny feeling in my stomach about that. Although that could be the weekend's alcohol.

The final day of a disappointing season is upon us, and the team selection is interesting. Contrary to popular speculation, Almunia doesn't play, Poom starts in goal, Senderos reappears from under the rock he's been hiding under, and various others may well be taking their final bow.

Our chances of finishing third are poor, given that Liverpool will probably beat Charlton, so the match means far more to Pompey, still chasing a European spot. So I wouldn't be surprised if we signed off with another loss.

At the bottom, the whole country seems to want Wigan and United to win so West Ham go down (me included), and in the European chase Reading will probably make it precisely because they don't want to.

And that's about it. If Wigan go a couple of goals down early Sky will be looking for a way to pretend that the rest of the action is anything other than meaningless. Good luck.

On a complete aside, this site has been up and down more than Lehmann and Drogba in their pushing contest recently. Someone's getting an angry phone call. Again. But bear with me.