The 2019/2020 season marked a period of transition for Arsenal Football Club. Under new management and with a mix of established stars and emerging talent, the Gunners aimed to reclaim their place among the Premier League elite. Let’s delve into the Arsenal squad list for that season, reminiscing about the players who donned the iconic red and white.
Goalkeepers: A Blend of Experience and Potential
Arsenal’s goalkeeping department in 2019/2020 saw a blend of experience and youthful promise.
- Bernd Leno: The German international remained the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. Known for his shot-stopping ability and composure, Leno was a crucial presence between the sticks.
- Emiliano Martínez: The Argentine goalkeeper served as a dependable backup to Leno. Martínez’s patience and hard work would later earn him a move to Aston Villa, where he shone.
- Matt Macey: The young English goalkeeper provided further cover for the senior duo, gaining valuable experience.
Defenders: A Mix of Solidity and Vulnerability
Arsenal’s defensive line in 2019/2020 presented a mix of strengths and weaknesses.
- Héctor Bellerín: The Spanish right-back, known for his blistering pace and attacking contributions, was a key figure when fit. However, injuries hampered his season.
- Ainsley Maitland-Niles: The versatile Englishman filled in at both full-back positions, showcasing his adaptability and defensive capabilities.
- Sokratis Papastathopoulos: The experienced Greek center-back brought physicality and leadership to the defense, forming a partnership with David Luiz.
- David Luiz: The Brazilian defender arrived from Chelsea, bringing his trademark passing range and flair to the backline.
- Shkodran Mustafi: The German center-back remained a divisive figure among fans, capable of both solid performances and costly errors.
- Sead Kolašinac: The Bosnian left-back provided power and energy down the flank, often pushing forward to support the attack.
- Rob Holding: The English center-back continued his development, showing promise as a reliable defensive option.
Arsenal’s Defensive Line-up 2019/2020
Midfielders: A Hub of Creativity and Industry
Arsenal’s midfield boasted a blend of creativity, defensive solidity, and youthful exuberance.
- Granit Xhaka: The Swiss international remained a key figure in midfield, providing defensive cover and dictating the tempo with his passing.
- Lucas Torreira: The Uruguayan midfielder brought tenacity and bite to the center of the park, breaking up opposition plays and shielding the defense.
- Matteo Guendouzi: The young French midfielder impressed with his energy, ball-carrying ability, and eye for a pass, establishing himself as a regular starter.
- Dani Ceballos: The Spanish midfielder arrived on loan from Real Madrid, bringing his technical quality and passing range to the team.
- Mesut Özil: The German playmaker, known for his vision and creativity, remained a part of the squad but saw his playing time diminish.
Forwards: A Mix of Firepower and Promise
Arsenal’s forward line in 2019/2020 showcased a blend of established stars, promising youngsters, and new signings.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: The Gabonese striker remained Arsenal’s talisman, consistently finding the back of the net with his pace, movement, and clinical finishing.
- Alexandre Lacazette: The French striker provided a focal point in attack, linking up play with his hold-up play and finding the net with his intelligent movement and finishing ability.
- Nicolas Pépé: The Ivorian winger arrived from Lille with high expectations, bringing his pace, trickery, and eye for goal to the Emirates.
- Reiss Nelson: The young English winger demonstrated flashes of brilliance with his pace, directness, and ability to beat defenders, earning more opportunities in the first team.
- Gabriel Martinelli: The young Brazilian forward burst onto the scene with his energy, pace, and eye for goal, making a name for himself with impressive performances.
Arsenal’s Attacking Threat
Reflecting on the 2019/2020 Arsenal Squad
The 2019/2020 season saw Arsenal finish eighth in the Premier League, a testament to the work that still needed to be done to challenge for top honors. However, the FA Cup triumph provided a glimmer of hope and a platform for future success. The squad possessed individual brilliance and showed glimpses of their potential, but consistency remained elusive.