Bacary Sagna

Name Bacary Sagna
Born February 14, 1983
Sens
France
Position Defender
Squad Number 3
Previous Club(s) Auxerre
Joined Arsenal July 12, 2007
Arsenal Debut Fulham (h)
Premiership
August 12, 2007,
Won 2-1


3. Bacary Sagna


Bacary was signed from Auxerre in the summer of 2007 to bolster Arsenal's options in defence. On the evidence on pre-season, he will be battling with Justin Hoyte for the right-back slot while Emmanuel Eboue operates in a more advanced position.

Bacary, who was born in France but has Senegalese parents, was a regular for Auxerre after breaking into their first team in 2004. He was coached by the legendary Guy Roux and made 87 appearances for the French side, gaining European experience in the Uefa Cup last season and winning the French Cup in 2005.

The powerful defender was called up to the French national squad for the first time in June 2007 and is widely-regarded as the long-term successor to current France right back, the veteran Willy Sagnol.

"Bacary is a very capable defender and has played consistently well for Auxerre in recent seasons," said Arsène Wenger. "He plays mainly at right back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong, quick and enjoys defending but also has a good offensive side to his game.

"He has a fighting spirit and will be a very good addition to our squad."


                                            My Year

April

Bacary Sagna was ruled out of all games in April and subsequently will not play again this season. It came after he sustained ankle damage against Chelsea in March.

March

Mixed emotions for Bacary in March. The Frenchman bagged his first goal for the Gunners but was on the losing side at Stamford Bridge. Sustaining an ankle injury late on in that game, he missed the trip to Bolton, the only game he sat out all month, and looks set to be sidelined for much of April.

February

Personal reasons prevented Bacary from playing every minute of Arsenal’s matches in February. The French full-back missed the defeat at Old Trafford but was typically professional in the other four games. His fine touch and cross provided Emmanuel Adebayor with the simplest of tasks to get the first goal of the month away to Manchester City.

January

The summer signing remains as reliable as ever. Bacary appeared in five games in January and was a valuable outlet for the Gunners on the right flank as they continued their assault on the Premier League title.

December

Bacary continued to impress at right-back, forming a strong partnership with Emmanuel Eboue. His sharp attacking mind led to several assists and he remained solid at the back.

November

Bacary continued to make an impact on the Premier League with three assists in the four games he featured in. Failing to start only twice, when the squad was rotated for European games, he also played for France.

October

Bacary continues to be one of Arsenal’s most consistent players of the season. The summer signing from Auxerre started every game in October, being withdrawn just once, against Sunderland. The Frenchman also celebrated a call-up to his national side for their Euro 2008 qualifying matches against Lithuania and the Faroe Islands..