Vito Mannone can be number one goalie for Arsenal
The Gunners succumbed to a dreadful two nil loss against League leaders, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
It was once again the same story for Arsenal, poor goalkeeping.
The veteran goalkeeper of Arsenal, Manuel Almunia, reasonably mistake-free and buoyant start to this season, was diminished in a matter of minutes as the Spanish keeper endured an atrocious afternoon.
Despite saving a penalty that Almunia produced, the Spaniard was horrendous, allowing a long-range shot to slip past him for the West Bromwich Albion’s second goal before failing to manage with a through ball that gave rise to the third and ultimately winning
goal.
In the League Cup against fierce rivals Tottenham, second-in-command keeper, Lukasz Fabianski, had also continued one more uninspiring evening, as Fabianski was unsuccessful to hold a weak shot from Robbie Keane which saw Spurs equalize.
Luckily Arsenal overcame
The dearth of presence in between the sticks has been an enduring problem for Arsenal since Jens Lehman's exit in 2008. ‘The Professor’ decided to support Manuel Almunia as first choice keeper rather than signing a world class goal keeper.
The tactics of Wenger has failed to pay off, as the pair has shown they are not proficient with defending the goal for a team that has quality like the Gunners.
Bottom of Form
Both have an inclination to make errors from simple circumstances in important matches, the two also are extremely unreliable, have poor clearance, and are unsure off set pieces and corners.
After 2009-10 saw the Gunners finish without a cup again, thus certifying it has been five spells without silverware gracing the Arsenal trophy cabinet, supporters and the football world alike were certain ‘The Professor’ would dig deep and sign a high quality
goal keeper to cure the keeping problem.
However, Arsene Wenger was indecisive in his exploration. Despite a host of rumours, Arsenal boss was unsuccessful to materialize a deal, which guaranteed the Gunners began the season with their shaky duo.
But it is not like ‘The Professor’ has no option but to play Almunia and Fabianski. Arsene Wenger claims two of the most promising and talented young shot-stoppers in World football are at Emirates, Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone have patiently waited
for their slight chances as well as endured loan spells.
Both reserve goalkeepers have shown great potential for the Arsenal: Vito Mannone received a shot spell last year when both Almunia and Fabianski were side-lined because of injuries. Vito Mannone was shaky to instigate with but was superb in one particular
away fixture at Craven Cottage against Fulham, where the Italian looked unbeatable
Moreover, the other young gun of Arsenal, Wojciech Szczensy was also handed an opportunity in the League Cup last season and didn't dissatisfy. The 20 year old keeper was outstanding prompting Arsenal’s boss to admit that the Polish goalkeeper will soon
be the number one keeper at the Emirates.
The Polish goalkeeper has become progressively unsatisfied in his failure to receive opportunities, publicly proclaiming his objectives if things did not sway. ‘The Professor’ says in spite of Wojciech’s extraordinary talent, the Italian keeper Vito Mannone
is still ahead in the pecking order and is worthy of a chance.
The 22-year-old is a commanding goal keeper, blessed with extraordinary reactions and exhibited last campaign what he is proficient of. Regardless of having a small inclination to be shaky of set pieces, which should diminish with experience, both the young
guns should be given their deserved chances.
The duo will be keen to move elsewhere should opportunities endure not to come their respective ways. It is certain that Vito Mannone should start for Arsenal in coming games.
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