The 2010–11 season was Arsenal Football Club's 19th season in the Premier League and their 85th consecutive season in the top flight of English football. The team were within one point of league leaders Manchester United at the end of February, but a run of just one league win throughout the entirety of March and April ended their challenge. Arsenal's attempts to win the Champions League were ended once again by Barcelona, being beaten 4–3 on aggregate at the round of 16 stage after defeating them 2–1 at home, whilst hopes of winning the FA Cup were ended in the sixth round following a 2–0 defeat to Manchester United. The team came closest to silverware in the League Cup, reaching the final, only to concede a Birmingham City winner in the 89th minute.

Vassiriki Abou Diaby, known as Abou Diaby, is a French former professional footballer. He played primarily in a box to box role, adept at both attacking and defending, and was described as a player who was "languid, elusive, and athletic" that could either "dribble past opponents or slip passes to team-mates". Of Ivorian descent, Diaby also possessed "superb touch" and "excellent close control". Diaby's career was hampered by numerous repetitive injuries, a problem that existed from his time in France. His physical appearance and positional preference evoked comparisons to Arsenal compatriot Patrick Vieira.