E218: Player Grades Pt. 1 — Raya, Saliba, Gabriel & Arsenal’s Defense (Season Review)

The NN Pod begins its end-of-season player review series as Gavin returns to the show following Arsenal’s Premier League title celebrations and a football-filled trip across England, Scotland and Europe. From the atmosphere around the Emirates on trophy-lift day to watching the Champions League Final in Amsterdam, the hosts reflect on a memorable few weeks before turning their attention to the squad review.  Part One focuses on the foundation of Arsenal’s title-winning side. The panel grades the goalkeepers, defenders and deeper midfielders, discussing the seasons of David Raya, Jurriën Timber, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori.  The conversation then moves into midfield, where Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly come under the microscope. The hosts debate Player of the Season contenders, discuss the impact of injuries and availability, and consider which players exceeded expectations during Arsenal’s championship campaign.  With grades ranging from A* to F, there are disagreements, surprises and plenty of discussion around the players who helped Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy. Part Two, covering the attacking players, follows next week.  The grades are in. The debates begin.Chapters:(00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro(00:18) - End of Season Review Series Introduction(01:22) - Gavin’s Arsenal Trophy Lift Travel Diary(08:02) - Elliot’s Emirates Trophy Celebration Experience(13:18) - Champions League Final Reflections(19:18) - Player Review Format & Grading Criteria(19:29) - David Raya(21:57) - Kepa Arrizabalaga(23:58) - Tommy Setford (Mention)(24:18) - Jurriën Timber(25:55) - Ben White(28:06) - Cristhian Mosquera(30:20) - William Saliba(32:00) - Gabriel Magalhães(33:30) - Piero Hincapié(35:10) - Riccardo Calafiori(37:33) - Declan Rice(40:23) - Martín Zubimendi(44:26) - Christian Nørgaard(46:30) - Myles Lewis-Skelly(50:36) - Looking Ahead To Part Two & Outro