ARSENAL
Grade your manager A*. Super Mik Arteta [above] has been near-flawless – precisely what we hoped for when we appointed Pep Guardiola’s No.2.
Star man The Swiss Frank Lampard himself, Granit Xhaka. The clumsy duckling has become a wonderful swan, already equalling his best goalscoring return for a season and earning a chant from the fans (albeit a poor imitation to William Saliba’s).
Biggest disappointment That Albert Sambi Lokonga and Eddie Nketiah aren’t raring for first-team places, with our rather ropey Europa League adventures proving annoyingly dull. But when you’re top by five points, any serious criticism is a nitpick.
WTF moment of the season We conceded the inevitable equaliser to Southampton in October because Aaron Ramsdale appeared to be distracted by a pigeon in his six-yard box. No, really. Watch it for yourself.
One thing you’d change for 2023 Nothing. Please, football gods, more of the same. Just imagine…
@markwhlte
ASTON VILLA
Grade your manager A. It’s early days, but first impressions of Unai Emery [above] have been really positive. Great track record, humble, enthusiastic and tactically astute. The less said about Steven Gerrard, meanwhile, the better…
Star man Ashley Young. Whether it’s starting or coming off the bench, the 37-year-old’s been key. His attitude is an example to all. And he scored a banger against Nottingham Forest.
Biggest disappointment Villa had approached this year with hopes of qualifying for European competition, only for it to disintegrate with a series of woeful performances taking us towards the bottom of the league.
WTF moment of the season The way Tyrone Mings was stripped of the captaincy just before the opening match of the season. Bizarre.
One thing you’d change for 2023 More games like Emery’s first one in charge: a 3-1 destruction of Manchester United, for our first home win over them for 27 years.
Phil Gennoy
AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Scott Parker complained his own team were s**t until they had no choice but
