It would be fair to say that Arsenal have experienced their fair share of problems with goalkeepers over the years, although there are hopes that the situation could be different this season. Even though first choice shot stopper Wojciech Szczesny is currently on the treatment table, Arsene Wenger has relied heavily on Vito Mannone and the Italian claims that he won’t give the jersey back easily.
Mannone has played in the last two games for the Gunners and with the team yet to concede, his performances have to be described as a resounding success. However, with regular keeper Szczesny poised to return to action after the international break, most supporters have been preparing for Arsene Wenger to hand the position straight back to the Pole.
Nevertheless, according to Mannone, he will make it as difficult as possible for his teammate to return to first team action. Speaking to the press, the player said, “I have improved in every part of the goalkeeper position. In my mind as well, I came back stronger and stronger. It is a good fight between the keepers because we know the level is quite high and you need to keep working and improve yourself to get the first spot. I know Arsenal, everybody here and I am really happy when I am involved, like now. I would like to be involved more and more and establish myself.”
Already, Mannone should be applauded for managing to overcome the advances of Lukasz Fabianski and Damian Martinez to start in recent outings. There have been times when the Italian’s career at the Emirates Stadium has come into question, yet following recent performances there are hopes that he has put the worst behind him and can start to make a serious claim for the No.1 jersey at the football club.
