Just Arsenal News

This is exactly the kind of headache that Arsene Wenger would like to have in every position as he now has to decide whether to keep Wojciech Szczesny in between the sticks now that his compatriot Lukasz Fabianski is fit enough to be reinstated in the Arsenal starting XI.

In the run up to the QPR game, Wenger said of Fabianski: “He is still unavailable. From next week onwards, he should be alright.” which suggest he will be available for the next game against Wigan, which is still 8 days away. .......Read the full article here

Many Arsenal fans wanted Lukasz Fabianski to be sold last summer after his many moans about being left on the bench behind Wojciech Szczesny, but since being given the first team jersey the Gunners have registered five wins in a row and he has rarely put a foot wrong.

Wenger put Szczesny back into the reserves for last weeks 3-2 defeat by Liverpool and it is possible that the Frenchman meant it when he said that Szczesny just needed a rest, but what possible reason could he give if he dropped Fabianski after this fantastic run? .......Read the full article here

Goalkeeping spot? It’s Up For Grabs NOW! by AH

The last two games have seen one Polish international goalkeeper take over from another, as Lukasz Fabianski has reintroduced himself into what looks like a rejuvenated Arsenal team. Just like his Arsenal career his performances are inconsistent and this seems to be one of his main flaws, however this could be the time he needs to step up for the team as we push to regain a top 4 spot and Champions League football for another consecutive season. .......Read the full article here

The Reina Rumour Returns by AH

The whispers that Arsenal are looking to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has plagued the Arsenal transfer rumour mil for the last two weeks and they always say there’s no smoke without fire. There may be some truth in this story, as I believe Arsenal is looking to sign a new goalkeeper despite already having 5 goalkeepers in the first team squad. .......Read the full article here

The jury is still out on whether Vito Mannone is accomplished enough to be Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, and it seems that he is about to be usurped by the returning Wojciech Szczesny very shortly.

The young Pole has not played a competitive game for the Gunners since he was ruled out with an ankle injury during a game against Southampton two months ago, but Arsene Wenger has arranged for him to play for the U21s against West Ham reserves today and has hinted he could be back in the first team squad on Saturday if he comes through okay. .......Read the full article here

Is Mannone good enough to remain Arsenal’s first choice keeper the entire season? by TS

Vito Mannone through hook and crook has maintained his position as first choice keeper for Arsenal. Obviously, injury to Szczesny and Fabianski has helped that process but there’s no denying that the Italian keeper has been an able replacement in goal. Mannone has credited his run in the first team due to the hard work he has put into his game.

Mannone, in his five appearances for the Gunner’s this season, has been more than adequate and the 24 year old admits that his loan spell to Championship side Hull City, where he made 23 appearances and kept nine clean sheets, was all the preparation he needed for his starting role at Arsenal. .......Read the full article here

The Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is training with his fellow Arsenal team-mate and countryman Wojciech Szczesny and he is getting fit and ready to take over from Szczesny at some point this season.

Fabianski only made six appearances last season but the 27 year-old knows very well that an injury or loss of confidence could suddenly see himself thrust into first-team action. “It can change very quickly,” Fabianski said. “From my own experiences I know that, so I am ready to step up. I feel confident that I am able to be Number One. .......Read the full article here

The Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesnt has proved many times this season that he is a committed Arsenal fan as well as being a valued member of Arsene Wenger’s squad, but he is humble enough to realise that his place as Arsenal’s Number One is still not etched in stone, and once he has played 500 games for the first team (which will take him about ten years) will he be happy to say he is now established!

“I’m 22 years old and I don’t think I’m an established No 1.” Szczesny said. “I still need to prove myself at this club. .......Read the full article here

The Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Manuel Almunia has returned to the Arsenal squad after a prolonged absence through injury, but he will not automatically return as first choice in the Gunners squad.

“He has been injured for a long time and in a situation like that you feel jobless,” Wenger said.

“Of course I feel for him. In fairness his elbow injury was against West Brom and that was a long, long time ago. He came out in the second half, but I left him the choice at half-time. I asked him how he felt and credit to him. .......Read the full article here

The Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is not lacking in confidence, no matter how many times he gets slated by the fans. I really hope he hasn’t been reading Just Arsenal News this summer, as he would have seen that, although the fans were calling for Manuel Almunia to be replaced, Fabianski was the last person they would give the job to!

Anyway, he still is hopeful that Wenger will keep his faith in him, and hopes that he will get the chance to show how good he is when Arsenal take on Tottenham in the Carling Cup.

He said: “My target is to challenge for a place in the first team. .......Read the full article here

The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has announced that whoever he picks to start in goal today against Liverpool, will be his Number One goalkeeper this season.

“The goalkeepers are great, all ready to play,” Wenger said. “I just wait for my decision and you will get it soon.

“The guy who plays on Sunday will be No 1. It is never for definite but it will be a consequence of what I have seen in pre-season.” .......Read the full article here

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given is to “consider his options” this weekend after he was told by Man City boss Roberto Mancini that Joe Hart will be the Number One at the Eastlands this season, which has reignited the rumours that Arsenal could secure his services for next season.

The Daily Mail quotes a “source close to Given” as saying: “Shay respects the manager’s decision even if he thinks it’s wrong. He is very, very disappointed, particularly bearing in mind his performances for City since he joined. He’ll meet his advisers over the weekend and consider his options. Until now Shay has been really happy at City.’” .......Read the full article here