Gael Clichy 2010/2011 - Farewell

Season Stats

40 starts + 4 sub apps

1 goal
2 assists
1 key pass

Premier League Stats

90 tackles won (81% success)
-Highest of PL defenders, 4th highest overall (111)

3.2 interceptions per game

-3rd highest of PL defenders, 4th highest overall (3.6)

0.8 opposition dribbles allowed per game
-Highest of Arsenal defenders (Koscielny 0.5)

51% aerial duel success rate
-3rd highest of Arsenal fullbacks (Sagna 67%, Gibbs 55%)

0.6 chances created per game
-2nd highest of Arsenal fullbacks (Sagna 0.7)

0.5 accurate crosses per game
-2nd highest of Arsenal fullbacks (Sagna 1.0)

High point

Set up an 88th minute winner at home to West Ham in the league, ending an afternoon of frustration for the Gunners. Having cut inside his marker from the left flank, the Frenchman delivered a teasing right-footed cross onto the head of the lurking Alex Song to send the Arsenal fans into raptures.

Low point

At fault for Shakhtar's winning goal in Arsenal's 2-1 loss in the Champions League group stage, a result which ultimately would cost the Gunners top spot. From a seemingly routine clearance situation on the left flank, Clichy managed to gift the ball to Darijo Srna, who crossed for Gunners' old-boy Eduardo to score.

Gael Clichy + Thomas Vermaelen 2009/2010

A short video showing the best moments of the club's left-footed defenders. (I would have included Silvestre as well had he not spent 90% of games playing for the opposition)

Gael Clichy has come in for a lot of criticism for his defensive errors of late (deservedly so), but at his best he's one of the top fullbacks in the world, combining an excellent sense of anticipation and tireless running to thwart opposition attacks and then break quickly into the opposition half.

Thomas Vermaelen has been an excellent addition to the club, and while he's made some sloppy positional errors, he's more than made up for it with his bravery, aerial ability and of course goals.

Both players are 24 so they're still young in defensive terms, with a few more years of experience behind them they should be able to iron out the weaknesses in their game.