Arsenal review

Skysports.com casts an analytical eye over Arsenal's 2009/10 season.

ARSENAL What Went Right? Considering that they were many people's picks to lose their Champions League place, rather a lot went right for Arsenal. A run of 20 games at the turn of the year saw them lose just twice and become the new favourites for the title, with Cesc Fabregas enjoying some devastating form. Thomas Vermaelen was a resounding success - as was the short-term signing of Sol Campbell - while Alex Song emerged as a bona-fide defensive midfielder of note. It's a shame they came up against Barcelona in the Champions League, as their form was impressive in Europe - a 5-0 win over Porto emerging as the highlight. What Went Wrong? Injuries, injuries, injuries. Pretty much all Arsenal's key players had at least one spell on the sidelines, with Fabregas and Robin van Persie both spending far too much time in the treatment room for anybody's comfort. The keepers were largely poor, Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin both flattered to deceive and the bit-part roles of Eduardo and Carlos Vela proved they had no real alternative to Van Persie. They lost twice to both Chelsea and Manchester United and managed to blow the supposedly easy run-in with a damaging defeat at Tottenham and an embarrassing capitulation at Wigan. Are They Happy? They probably would have been happy with third place if it was offered in August, but by the time March came around, the goalposts had moved. If only the real goalposts had moved, perhaps Van Persie wouldn't have hit them so often. Signing of the season Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian was arguably one of the best Premier League newcomers. He enjoyed a devastating start to his career, actually providing Arsenal with menace from corners, and is already considered a mainstay in the side. Flop of the season Two goalkeepers. Both Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski proved they are not up to the grade, and a replacement is expected in the summer. The latter's form was particularly embarrassing. Star man Cesc Fabregas. Again the skipper was influential to his side, managing a total of 15 Premier League assists despite missing the last part of the season. The Spaniard was liberated by Arsenal's new system. Keeping him this summer is now the priority. Breakthrough player: Alex Song. The Cameroon international emerged as an integral member of the side, with his physical presence and masterful performances in defensive midfield a joy to behold. He was greatly missed in the second leg of their clash against Barcelona. High point Coming from two goals down to draw with Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first leg quarter-final tie. Said comeback demonstrated tremendous resolve. Low point Their 2-1 defeat at North West rivals Tottenham which all-but ended their title charge. A horrible night for Gunners fans as they saw their side pretty much knocked out of the title race by their fiercest rivals. Heavy defeats against Manchester United and Chelsea also hurt.