Clichy is fourth in Player of the Season
poll
The votes are in and the counting has taken place. Now it is just a
matter of revealing the winners. As usual the results of the
Arsenal.com Player of the Year poll will be made known over a
matter of weeks, in reverse order, with each of the top four
receiving a week of dedicated content.
Arsenal.com editor Richard Clarke kicks off this process with the
player who finished fourth with five per cent of the vote.
For all sorts of reasons, it is a real pleasure to announce that
Gael Clichy has finished fourth in the Arsenal.com Player of the
Year poll.
First and foremost, he thoroughly deserves a place in the upper
echelons for his quiet consistency last term. It is important to
remember he began the season with both injuries and question marks
against him. When he played his first game in October the previous
12 months had seen only a handful of appearances, a couple of
breaks to his foot and a whole bellyful of frustration. Arsène
Wenger later suggested there had even been concern about his
career.
Then there was the little matter of replacing Ashley Cole. The
previous Arsenal No 3 had widely been considered to be the best
left back in the world and the off-the-field circumstances of his
move to Chelsea had done little to change that perception at the
tail-end of last summer.
But then it is easy to forget that, back in September, Arsenal had
two full backs embarking on their debut season as a first choice.
Like Clichy, Emmanuel Eboue had shown every sign that he could fill
the boots of his more experienced forebear. But now - week in, week
out - they had to perform.
Opposition managers noticed the change and there was an obvious
pressure exerted down the Arsenal flanks early on in the season. It
was no-brainer. You either went that way or attempt tear down
Arsenals two towers of strength at centre half Kolo Toure and
William Gallas.
Clichy was stretched but never skinned. And, most importantly, he
learnt quickly. Natural pace and crisply-timed tackles remained the
bedrock of his game but, despite the extra pressure, his
temperament remained assured and positive. Two bookings in 25
Premiership games is a testament to that. However just one assist
in all competitions is somewhat of a mystery when, in the
estimations of Arsenal TVs Stewart Robson, he is the Premierships
most attacking defender.
It is perhaps true that while offensive players are most remembered
for their good games defensive players are remembered for their
poor ones. With that in mind, can you recall a below-par display
from Gael Clichy? This observer can only recollect unfussy
efficiency at the back allied with inquisitive raids down the
flank.
Some would suggest that the best indication of his season is
illustrated by the fact that the Cole hole has not been obvious.
But then, given the campaign he has just enjoyed, Clichy no longer
deserves to be measured against another player. He can now stand-up
as a first-choice, first-rate full back in his own right.
He should have been 3rd. He's been very
hardworking,determined! I hope he improves on his crossing. He's a
great LB. Good replacement of cashley cunt.
