Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, captain Martin Ødegaard, starboy Bukayo Saka and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale won an award each at last night’s London Football Awards ceremony.
Arsenal’s fantastic season didn’t go unnoticed, as the Gunners are trying to win their first league title since The Invincibles season 2003/04. Right now, Arsenal are five points clear at the top with 11 games remaining.
One of the most responsible people is Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta who came into the club during a tough period back in December 2019. He had to deal with multiple issues on & off the field which as a manger in his first job, wasn’t an easy task by any means. However he trusted himself and most of decisions he’s made have proved to be the correct ones. The Spaniard’s work was recognised tonight as he was presented with the Manager of the Year award at the London Football Awards ceremony.
In his speech the boss said:
“I would like to thank all my colleagues, all my staff and everyone at the club who inspire and support me every day, this would not be possible without them.”
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Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was presented with the Young Player of the Year award, as he has played an integral part for Arsenal this year. Arguably Arsenal’s best performing player, Saka has been part of the club since he was 7 years old, and he rose through the ranks before making his debut in November 2018. It’s mad to think he’s only 21-years-old with the way he constantly takes the team on his back and has been one of the most consistent Arsenal performers over the last couple of years. So far this season Saka has scored 10 goals and provided 9 assists and is in contention to even win Premier League Young Player of the Year come May.
Saka mentioned how hard it was in the beginning and how he is behind all kids who are working hard in order to become succesful, in his speech by saying:
“I want to dedicate it to all the children who are growing up in London with big dreams. I was once in their shoes.”
Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard was named Player of the Year for his fanatstic performances this season. The 24-year old Norwegian joined the club in January 2021, initally on loan, but his performances not only convinced Arteta to sign him permanently but make him captain of the club after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the honour.
Ødegaard is currently having the season of his dreams, he has scored 10 goals and assisted 6 times in 26 Premier League appearances so far this campaign, and these stats put him very high on the Premier League Player of the Year.
When presented with his award, he stated the following:
“What we’re doing this year is very special. I feel proud to be a part of the team. There is so much more to come, and I am so excited for the future.”
Last but not least, Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale got presented with Goalkeeper of the Year award. The 23-year old Englishman joined Arsenal from relegated Sheffield United in Summer of 2021, and quickly became a fan favorite due to his performances on the pitch as well as his character and charisma.
This season he’s kept 12 clean sheets, with no keeper keeping more clean sheets than the Arsenal shot stopper this season. His fantastic reactions, reflexes, and his distribution made him a key part of Mikel Arteta side, with most of our attacks starting from him. There is no doubt that Ramsdale could become England’s number one if his performances continue like this.
In an interview after the ceremony Ramsdale said:
“This is a place now where I can see myself for 10, 12, 15 years. Hopefully I’ll never have to leave and become a real hero & legend at this football club.”
What a fantastic year it has been for Arsenal, which was proven again last night with the North London club sweeping up the awards at the London Football Awards Ceremony.
Let’s hope there’s some more trophies to be lifted come May…
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