This season for Arsenal football club has been one of ascending talent such as Aaron Ramsey, and big summer signings such as Mesut Ozil but an unlikely character that has rejoined the Gunners has made one of the biggest impacts and an impact that many could not have predicted.

Mathieu Flamini returned to Arsenal in the last summer transfer window after a period of training with the club subsequent to his departure from AC Milan, who did not offer him a new contract – making him an easy target to reinforce Arsenal’s ranks. Wenger was reluctant at first, but decided to resign the Frenchman and why would he not? The midfielder is an experienced player who has already played at the highest levels for years, including four years in the capital before departing in 2008. He is a great leader in his position right in front of the defence obtaining the role of the organiser and the morale builder – of which he has made evident much this season- showing a lot of passion, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the campaign. Flamini also brings a more physical side to the team. Arsenal are not known for their physicality in their football but Mathieu can mix both the fluid, intelligent football and the goliath figure he possesses on the field of play, never backing out of a challenge. He showed this could be a stunning season during his debut against arch rivals Tottenham, the perfect match for the Frenchman to return in instantly presenting his passion for the club in his terrific display. He has also gone on to pick up 11 yellow cards and one straight red which would seem typical for the style of play the new Arsenal man exerts.

Another key feature of Flamini’s abilities are his defensive qualities, becoming the frontier of the defence in the red ranks as Wenger’s team have been without a solid, genuine defensive midfielder since Alex Song left before last season. This led to using players like Arteta or Wilshere as make shift players in those positions, causing inconsistency in that area and a placing heavy burden on their shoulders - of which Mathieu Flamini has to some extent, alleviated. Furthermore, Flamini has not been commended much for his role since his return, as quite rightly in some respects, the Gunners’ two shining centre halves – Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have been praised highly for their improved performances and excellent records for the majority of the season. But, the former Milan man has been an essential part of this development, helping maintain focus at the back and organise the players properly.

However, Flamini’s passion for success and aggression in his play has led to occasional issues in his rediscovered team, after a row with recent arrival Ozil during the defeat against Bayern Munich at The Emirates in their first leg tie in the last 16, due to the lack of heart and perseverance the German was showing in a tough performance for the ex-Madrid star. The second came in a training session, an apparent bust-up when Flamini got annoyed with Jack Wilshere in a keep ball drill. Although this incident was later played down by both players, and a picture was posted of the two teammates reconciling with smiles on their faces.

Wenger’s apparent long shot has not only aided in rejuvenating Arsenal’s back four but has chipped in with two crucial goals along the way. He scored his first goal on his return to London against Cardiff, with an excellent first time finish after a perfect pass from Mesut Ozil - sending the ball into the roof of the net. His more recent contribution to the score sheet came in Arsenal’s premier league tie against Manchester City, where the Gunners desperately needed a result following their 6-0 thrashing by Chelsea. Arsenal were playing well but struggled to find the crucal equaliser after Silva’s early strike for the visitors but in the second-half Lukas Podolski found the Frenchman who executed his finish as if he were a regular scorer, gaining the crucial point for his side and celebrating with great infatuation in the moments following his goal.

Arsenal fans will hope that his excellent contribution, to what could be the Woolwich club’s revival season will continue and aid Arsenal in attaining their first trophy in nine years - with the FA Cup final in sight on May 17th.

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