ARSENAL SEASONS RATINGS: Mikel Arteta 8 – This season he's shown he is capable of moulding a young team that can produce some of the best football since Arsene Wenger's peak. Getty
ARSENAL SEASONS RATINGS: Mikel Arteta 8 – This season he's shown he is capable of moulding a young team that can produce some of the best football since Arsene Wenger's peak. Getty
Aaron Ramsdale 9 – Made a few mistakes this season but he's undoubtedly one of England's best goalkeepers who has performed superbly throughout the season. Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale 9 – Made a few mistakes this season but he's undoubtedly one of England's best goalkeepers who has performed superbly throughout the season. Getty Images
Ben White 8 – After making his move to right-back, White proved himself to be one of Arsenal's most consistent players. Getty Images
Ben White 8 – After making his move to right-back, White proved himself to be one of Arsenal's most consistent players. Getty Images
Kieran Tierney 5 – Quite absent this season but he offers something different to some of his teammates. Just a shame that he's fallen out of favour with Arteta. Getty Images
Kieran Tierney 5 – Quite absent this season but he offers something different to some of his teammates. Just a shame that he's fallen out of favour with Arteta. Getty Images
Gabriel Magalhaes 7: He’s had the most appearances this season but wasn’t quite so forthcoming with his assists. That said, he’s one of Arteta’s most favoured defenders and has stepped up to sort out Arsenal’s centre-back problem alongside Salib. Getty Images
Gabriel Magalhaes 7: He’s had the most appearances this season but wasn’t quite so forthcoming with his assists. That said, he’s one of Arteta’s most favoured defenders and has stepped up to sort out Arsenal’s centre-back problem alongside Salib. Getty Images
William Saliba 9 – Arguably one of the best defenders in the Premier League. His debut season in England has been nothing short of incredible, and he's only just beginning. EPA
William Saliba 9 – Arguably one of the best defenders in the Premier League. His debut season in England has been nothing short of incredible, and he's only just beginning. EPA
Rob Holding 1 – Lacks confidence on the pitch, especially when substituted to replace Saliba at the back end of the season. AP
Rob Holding 1 – Lacks confidence on the pitch, especially when substituted to replace Saliba at the back end of the season. AP
Jakub Kiwior 8 – When given the opportunity to play, he's shown his potential and why he deserves a place in the team. AFP
Jakub Kiwior 8 – When given the opportunity to play, he's shown his potential and why he deserves a place in the team. AFP
Takehiro Tomiyasu 5 – Sadly plagued with injuries but proves his talent when on the pitch and at full fitness. PA
Takehiro Tomiyasu 5 – Sadly plagued with injuries but proves his talent when on the pitch and at full fitness. PA
Oleksandr Zinchenko 9 – The Ukraine international has shown why he deserves to represent the Gunners after a stellar season of top-tier defending. Photo: AFP
Oleksandr Zinchenko 9 – The Ukraine international has shown why he deserves to represent the Gunners after a stellar season of top-tier defending. Photo: AFP
Thomas Partey 7 – When he's off the pitch, Arsenal crumble. But when he's on the pitch, magic happens. His ability to incept quickly and hand the ball over makes him one of the Gunners' most dangerous players. Getty Images Getty Images
Thomas Partey 7 – When he's off the pitch, Arsenal crumble. But when he's on the pitch, magic happens. His ability to incept quickly and hand the ball over makes him one of the Gunners' most dangerous players. Getty Images Getty Images
Jorginho 6: Both on the pitch and in the dressing room, Jorginho has been a team player. Despite the controversy when he was signed, his performance throughout the winter was decent. Getty Images
Jorginho 6: Both on the pitch and in the dressing room, Jorginho has been a team player. Despite the controversy when he was signed, his performance throughout the winter was decent. Getty Images
Granit Xhaka 6: This may be his final season with Arsenal, but Xhaka has been a valuable player for the Gunners. If he does get moved on this summer, he'll leave a decent legacy behind him. PA
Granit Xhaka 6: This may be his final season with Arsenal, but Xhaka has been a valuable player for the Gunners. If he does get moved on this summer, he'll leave a decent legacy behind him. PA
Fabio Viera 4: He's not had the best of seasons thanks to his lack of physicality but there's hope for the Portuguese midfielder. But with enough coaching from Arteta and more opportunities on the pitch, there's still a chance he can show what he's truly capable of. Getty Images
Fabio Viera 4: He's not had the best of seasons thanks to his lack of physicality but there's hope for the Portuguese midfielder. But with enough coaching from Arteta and more opportunities on the pitch, there's still a chance he can show what he's truly capable of. Getty Images
Martin Odegaard 8: He's undoubtedly one of the Gunners' most valuable players and had a standout season. With 15 goals and eight assists, the Norwegian playmaker has contributed to the team with his passion, drive and determination. Getty Images
Martin Odegaard 8: He's undoubtedly one of the Gunners' most valuable players and had a standout season. With 15 goals and eight assists, the Norwegian playmaker has contributed to the team with his passion, drive and determination. Getty Images
Mohamed Elneny 3: A disappointing campaign for Elneny after being sidelined with a knee injury in January during training. But it's not all doom and gloom. Arsenal handed him a new year-long contract. PA
Mohamed Elneny 3: A disappointing campaign for Elneny after being sidelined with a knee injury in January during training. But it's not all doom and gloom. Arsenal handed him a new year-long contract. PA
Emile Smith Rowe 2: He hasn't started a single game this season thanks to persistent injuries. EPA
Emile Smith Rowe 2: He hasn't started a single game this season thanks to persistent injuries. EPA
Bukayo Saka 9: An outstanding season. For a players so young, Saka has proved himself as a dangerous player. EPA
Bukayo Saka 9: An outstanding season. For a players so young, Saka has proved himself as a dangerous player. EPA
Reiss Nelson 7: A valuable member of the team, his performance against Bournemouth was outstanding and one he must repeat consistently going forward if he wants to show off his true potential next season. Getty Images
Reiss Nelson 7: A valuable member of the team, his performance against Bournemouth was outstanding and one he must repeat consistently going forward if he wants to show off his true potential next season. Getty Images
Gabriel Martinelli 9: His excellent dribbling and attacking prowess has given Martinelli the confidence on the pitch Arsenal fans have been wanting to see for a while. Getty Images
Gabriel Martinelli 9: His excellent dribbling and attacking prowess has given Martinelli the confidence on the pitch Arsenal fans have been wanting to see for a while. Getty Images
Gabriel Jesus 6: His lazy play has been detrimental to Arsenal this season, but his determination and excellent team play have benefitted Arteta's men. Getty Images
Gabriel Jesus 6: His lazy play has been detrimental to Arsenal this season, but his determination and excellent team play have benefitted Arteta's men. Getty Images
Eddie Nketiah 4: He started off well but seemed to fall back as the season continued. He'll need to step up his game next season. Getty Images
Eddie Nketiah 4: He started off well but seemed to fall back as the season continued. He'll need to step up his game next season. Getty Images
Leandro Trossard 7: As a newcomer to Arsenal's front three, Trossard has proved that he has been worth the investment and one of the best signings of the January transfer window. With 10 assists under his belt already, he has a lot to offer to the team. Getty Images
Leandro Trossard 7: As a newcomer to Arsenal's front three, Trossard has proved that he has been worth the investment and one of the best signings of the January transfer window. With 10 assists under his belt already, he has a lot to offer to the team. Getty Images

Sport

Arsenal 2022/23 season player ratings: Saka 9, Gabriel Jesus 6, Holding 1

After leading the table for much of the campaign, Mikel Arteta's side were undone by avoidable losses and injuries to key players. But Arsenal fans should take heart and look forward to next season

Jessica Morgan

June 05, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

It's been seven long years since Arsenal made the Champions League and this season has been nothing short of being bittersweet.

Mikel Arteta's young team have shown serious promise after spending 248 days at the summit, looking down at the other 19 teams in the Premier League table, playing the best football of any Arsenal team since the golden years of the Invincibles.

Read more

Mikel Arteta apologises as Arsenal lose out to Man City in title race

But what goes up ultimately must come down, and that rings true for the Gunners after it all came crashing down following a humiliating 3-0 loss at home to Brighton & Hove Albion that left Manchester City open to snatch the title.

The final nail in the coffin for Arteta and his men was the disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the penultimate game, which ultimately sealed Arsenal's fate.

But the Gunners at least finished the season on a high with five unanswered goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final day.

It's been a season filled with optimism for Arsenal, in what could only be described as an overachieving year, compared to the fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last season and a low of eighth in 2020.

This season, Arsenal have proved they are capable of challenging for the title. However, performances have consistently kept everyone on the edges of their seats, punching well above their weight for much of the campaign. But as the months went by, so did the disappointment.

It started off like the previous season, with a London derby at home. Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 2-0 – their first of a five-game winning streak that secured their spot at the top of the table.

Then came a humbling loss against Manchester United. But that didn't stop them in their tracks as the team rose with resilience to go on to enjoy an eight-game winning run in all tournaments that allowed them to come up on top in their Europa League group.

But the team has been plagued with avoidable losses, injury and fitness issues this season, with William Saliba forced off with a back injury during the first half of the Europa League second leg defeat by Sporting. It brought a premature end to an outstanding season for the French defender.

Then came Arsenal's right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu, who left the Emirates Stadium on crutches in the same game, also ruling him out until the summer.

It's a bitter pill to swallow, but Arteta can only hope that his men heal from the devastating loss of missing out on a first tile since 2004.

The Champions League will push Arsenal to their limits next season, but the real task lies with Arteta to make smart decisions come the summer to get them back at the top of the table.

Poacher
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday (UAE kick-off times)

Leicester City v Brighton (9pm)

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United (11.15pm)

Wednesday

Manchester United v Sheffield United (9pm)

Newcastle United v Aston Villa (9pm)

Norwich City v Everton (9pm)

Wolves v Bournemouth (9pm)

Liverpool v Crystal Palace (11.15pm)

Thursday

Burnley v Watford (9pm)

Southampton v Arsenal (9pm)

Chelsea v Manchester City (11.15pm)

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed

Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.

Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.

The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.

One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.

That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.

More on animal trafficking
While you're here
MATCH INFO

Manchester United v Brighton, Sunday, 6pm UAE

The specs

Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed

Power: 271 and 409 horsepower

Torque: 385 and 650Nm

Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000

Personalities on the Plate: The Lives and Minds of Animals We Eat

Barbara J King, University of Chicago Press 

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
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THE BIO

Age: 33

Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill

Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.

Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?

Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Result
Qualifier: Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by eight wickets

Fixtures
Tuesday, Lahore: Eliminator 1 - Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators
Wednesday, Lahore: Eliminator 2 – Karachi Kings v Winner of Eliminator 1
Sunday, Karachi: Final – Islamabad United v Winner of Eliminator 2

Race card

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m

On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Roll of honour 2019-2020

Dubai Rugby Sevens

Winners: Dubai Hurricanes

Runners up: Bahrain

 

West Asia Premiership

Winners: Bahrain

Runners up: UAE Premiership

 

UAE Premiership

Winners: Dubai Exiles

Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

 

UAE Division One

Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens

Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II

 

UAE Division Two

Winners: Barrelhouse

Runners up: RAK Rugby

MATCH INFO

FA Cup final

Chelsea 1
Hazard (22' pen)

Manchester United 0

Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Related
Updated: June 05, 2023, 9:11 AM`
Premier LeagueArsenal