Class dunce: Thomas Vermaelen
Arsenal’s worst player this season was unfortunately the first name on the teamsheet at the beginning of the campaign – their captain.
Thomas Vermaelen made more errors leading to goals than any outfield player in the Premier League, including a particularly horrendous gift for former team-mate Robin Van Persie.
The Belgian has a tendency to step up out of defence to meet the opponent in possession, and it often leaves a huge gap behind.
Whilst possibly unfair to criticise him too harshly given it is not his primary position, when Vermaelen had to fill in at left back due to Kieran Gibbs’ fitness and Andre Santos’ ineptitude, he was not exactly a resounding success.
Arsene Wenger made the bold decision to drop Vermaelen from the side in March away to Bayern Munich along with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and the Gunners didn’t look back.
Laurent Koscielny and the aforementioned Mertesacker were a brilliant partnership for the remainder of the season, conceding just five goals in eleven games, and finishing unbeaten.
Vermaelen will have to work hard to win back his place – if he is to stay at Emirates Stadium.
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