Manuel Almunia set to miss Arsenal’s match against Partizan Belgrade
Arsenal’s injury woes continue to grow worse as first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is set to miss the club’s upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Partizan Belgrade. Wenger has told the club’s official website that Almunia damaged his elbow while
saving the penalty on Saturday. Kieran Gibbs inclusion in the squad will also depend on a late fitness test. Arsenal will be relieved however as Gael Clichy is fit and will feature from the start against Partizan.
Almunia was vehemently criticized following his less than impressive performance against West Bromwich. Lukasz Fabianski will now deputise for the Spaniard. Fabianski isn’t a fan favourite either as the goalkeeper was blamed for the goal conceded against
Tottenham in the Carling Cup.
Arsenal’s goalkeeping deficiencies are well documented as the club has lost points in critical fixtures due to inept goalkeeping. The Gunners were expected to sign Shay given in the summer transfer market but Wenger decided against it. The Frenchman has
been blasted for his transfer market shortcomings in the recent past. The club has failed to win any major silverware since Patrick Vieira led the club to English Premier League title in 2003. Since the retirement of David Seaman, the club has failed to find
appropriate replacements. Jens Lehman was the number one shot stopper until his move to Stuttgart but even the German wasn’t free of his antics.
It is commonly believed that a world class goalkeeper will earn a team around 15 league points with his skill. Such statements feel true when the likes of Casillas and Buffon are on song. Many believe Arsenal will not win anything until a world class goalkeeper
is signed. Arsene Wenger refused to blame only Almunia for the defeat to West Brom on the weekend.” You can have issues with a lot of players judging on today’s performance, especially defensively. Many players made huge defensive blunders. I will not single
out any one for criticism as we were collectively poor. We must analyze our mistakes and learn from them so that we respond well later”. Arsenal is expected to win easily against an inferior Partizan and fans will be hopeful Almunia returns for more important
fixtures.
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