[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was a thoroughly engaging campaign, drama at both ends of the table with some rising stars and some new faces to watch over the coming years. Some teams falling short of expectations, others rising far above them with some great goals, great games and perhaps a great team. Expect a team-by-team analysis of the performances of all 20 teams that have made this season such a joy to watch.
Up until January, it appeared to be déjà vu for most Arsenal fans, not falling into Europa League places but never really challenging the teams at the summit of the table. Since then, the team has experienced such a run in form, and they have only lost away to rivals Tottenham and Southampton in 2015.
Alexis Sánchez has been every bit as brilliant as Arsenal hoped he would be when they invested around £35million in him.
It almost seems rare nowadays that big-money buys actually fully live up to their price tag and Sánchez has completely justified his entry fee with 21 goals and 9 assists in 37 appearances, as well as him earning himself a place in the PFA team of the year.
Another season highlight would be Arsenal’s battling performance against former champions Manchester City where we saw a different, tougher side to Arsenal with Francis Coquelin really standing out in the clash.
Olivier Giroud looked more impressive this season, bagging 17 goals in 24 appearances, and if he can continue on this arc of improvement, could prove himself to be a top striker in this league.
Gabriel was eased into the team and looks a solid purchase, and Özil has showed signs of the player Arsenal spent so much on, although he has a long way to go to make him worth the £42 million Arsenal forked out to get him.
Arsenal’s FA Cup performance against Aston Villa was a master-class, including a very special goal from Alexis Sánchez, perfectly summing up his first season in English football.
Laurent Koscielny is looking to become a world-class defender, putting in some dominating performances during the season.
Overall, its been a better than usual season for the Gooners, they’ve seen their side beat most of the top teams and finally have a truly world-class player in their side, something which they have lacked in recent years.
However, the hunger for league glory is great for most Arsenal fans and they will expect to challenge for the title next season, however this can only be realistically achieved with quality acquisitions in the summer, as their competitors – Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea will all be expected to inject their squads with new talent.
