It looks like Szcesny is finally fit again having been 2 weeks away for a couple of months, and along with Gibbs I think (and fervently hope ) that he will help to dramatically improve our defence. Not because he is top class, but more because Mannone is a complete joke.
Sure, he was OK against United and Schalke. But the amount of mistakes he has made this season in relatively few games is embarassing. He couldn't catch a fish in an aquarium. There have been several instances notably the Kacaniklic header yesterday where he has failed to save fairly innocuous shots. Szczesny is not innocent of course, I think back to Hoolahan's goal at the Emirates last season, but he is far more reliable, and when it comes to organising a defence and commanding an area there is no contest. Mannone simply has an Almunia-esque lack of confidence at crosses and set-pieces, his lack of authority for Berba's header yesterday was embarassing.
Can't wait for Szczesny to get back in the team, and when he makes a mistake, I''ll at least have a good sense of perspective having watched Mannone for a couple of painful months.
Szczesny
posted on 11/11/12
If Szczesny is back I can sleep at least a bit better.
I don't think that we will win against Spurs. They will give us a lot of nightmares on the wings.
posted on 11/11/12
Gunnerthru, they will give us problems yes but I think with a commanding goalkeeper such as Szczesny and no Santos/Vermaelen at LB we'll be more secure.
For me it's up to whether Wenger can motivate the players to get a good performance, if he does then we should win, if he doesn't and we lose with another weak and limp performance my patience with him will snap.
posted on 11/11/12
Merte, I really do believe that it doesnt matter who plays we can't change our style or put in a great performance. I really do believe this. We will not win NLD.
posted on 11/11/12
Mannone hasn't been that bad.
posted on 11/11/12
Mannone hasn't been that bad.
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Beg to differ. I'll give him credit, he's actually pulled a few blinding saves out of the bag, notably in Europe. He's definitely a tryer.
But for me, he's barely Prem standard, some of the goals he's conced have been weak and I'll stick my neck out and say at times he's cost us points.
posted on 11/11/12
Is Szczesny in Polands squad for midweek?
Mannone has been how he always is. Brings out a nice flash save here and there, but almost always leaves the ball in the danger area. And he is shocking at dealing with crosses.
A fully fit Szczesny is a very good keeper. Lets hope he is fully fit rather than the injured keeper we have seen him as over the last few months.
posted on 11/11/12
Szczesny is more commanding, confident, better from crosses. Mannone has given me a few shaky moments with his punches but even then he's been okay in those situations.
posted on 11/11/12
Mannone has done okay for a third choice keeper, szczesny is miles ahead though. He is a real character and he will inspire more confidence in our back 4.
posted on 11/11/12
Mannone is so ungainly, he doesn't look natural and he's always been like that. Can't wait for Szczesny to come back, he got a bit of criticism but after watching Mannone you can see Szcz is miles ahead of him.
posted on 11/11/12
Mannone is not reliable enough and as Moist said he cost us points.