2008 Arsenal Away – Andrey Arshavin #23 Small

The 2008/09 season was a transitional campaign for Arsenal Football Club under Arsène Wenger. After the near-title challenge of 2007/08, the Gunners struggled with injuries and inconsistency.

• Premier League: Arsenal finished 4th, securing Champions League qualification but falling short of the title race. They ended the season with 72 points, behind Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

• FA Cup: Reached the semifinals, but lost 2–1 to Chelsea at Wembley.

• League Cup: Knocked out early in the quarterfinals by Burnley.

• UEFA Champions League: Reached the semifinals, eliminating Roma and Villarreal before falling 4–1 on aggregate to Manchester United.

• Key Storyline: The season is remembered for the January 2009 signing of Andrey Arshavin from Zenit St. Petersburg, who made an immediate impact in England.

• Kit: The 2008/09 Arsenal away jersey, by Nike, featured a navy blue body with redcurrant and light blue pinstripes, paying homage to Arsenal’s historic colors.

2. Player’s Impact – Andrey Arshavin (2008/09)

Andrey Arshavin, signed in February 2009 after starring for Russia at Euro 2008, became an instant fan favorite.

• Appearances: 12 Premier League games after arriving in January.

• Statistics: 6 goals and 5 assists in the league.

• Key Moments:

  • His legendary four-goal performance at Anfield in a 4–4 draw with Liverpool on April 21, 2009, remains one of the greatest individual displays in Premier League history.

  • Provided creativity and flair that reinvigorated Arsenal’s attack late in the season.

• Role: Played primarily as a winger or attacking midfielder, drifting inside to link up with Fabregas, Van Persie, and Walcott.

• Legacy: Despite arriving midseason, Arshavin’s flair and decisive performances made him a cult hero. The 2008/09 away shirt is forever linked to his explosive debut months in North London.

3. Full Squad List – Arsenal 2008/09

Manager: Arsène Wenger

Goalkeepers:

• Manuel Almunia

• Łukasz Fabiański

• Vito Mannone

Defenders:

• Kolo Touré

• William Gallas (Captain until February)

• Gaël Clichy

• Bacary Sagna

• Mikaël Silvestre

• Johan Djourou

• Alex Song (also used as DM)

• Armand Traoré

Midfielders:

• Andrey Arshavin (arrived Jan 2009)

• Cesc Fàbregas (Captain from March 2009)

• Samir Nasri

• Denílson

• Abou Diaby

• Alex Song

• Aaron Ramsey

• Theo Walcott

• Jack Wilshere (debut season)

• Emmanuel Eboué

• Tomas Rosický (injured most of season)

Forwards:

• Robin van Persie

• Emmanuel Adebayor

• Nicklas Bendtner

• Carlos Vela

• Eduardo da Silva (returned midseason from injury)