One bright aspect in a season of gloom for Arsenal

Date: 5th October 2011 at 12:14 pm
Written by Henry Cloke

Three wins on the trot may have had Arsenal fans daring to believe that they were back on the right track but a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane will have pulled them back down to earth: The Gunners are struggling badly this season. They’ve played 7 games and lost four in the Premier League. But the point of this article isn’t to bemoan or criticise a club that’s already had enough bitter words pointed in its direction.

I’d much rather focus on one of the club’s leading lights – one of the major positives in an otherwise disappointing year or so for the club.

The young Pole may be the subject of some criticism on Sunday for failing to get a strong enough hand to Kyle Walker ’s speculative effort that led to Tottenham’s second goal. Whilst fans quickly lost patience with the antics of Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski , I hope they aren’t so negative with Szczesny, who appears to be a real talent and a possible long-term number one for Arsenal. Let’s not forget that Szczesny was brilliant all game apart from the mistake.

Of course, given Szczesny’s brash attitude and ceaseless confidence, opponent fans are sure to jump on any mistake that he makes. That’s why it’s important that Arsenal fans stand by their man.

Let’s not forget he’s only 21-years-old and is still learning his trade in the Premier League. None of the current goalkeepers playing for a top EPL side were half as good as Szczesny at his age, and it’s unsurprising if a mistake or two creeps into his game.

What surprises me (and fills me with optimism) is that a high-profile mistake hasn’t been made sooner. Some fans may point to the blunder in the final of the Carling Cup last season but I always placed the blame at Laurent Koscielny ’s feet for that one.

Wojciech hasn’t just impressed for his ability to make spectacular saves, it’s the consistency of his ability to do so that’s been a joy to behold. For somebody his age it’s remarkable to consider just what he’s pulled off so soon into his career, and somewhat scary to consider what he might be capable of in the long-term. If things continue in this vein he will surely have a massive future ahead of him.

Arsenal fans know how good he is and I’m sure they won’t let a single mistake (no matter what its implication were on the North London derby) change their opinion of him.


I’d much rather focus on one of the club’s leading lights – one of the major positives in an otherwise disappointing year or so for the club. Wojciech Szczesny .

The young Pole may be the subject of some criticism today for failing to get a strong enough hand to Kyle Walker ’s speculative effort that led to Tottenham’s second goal. Whilst fans quickly lost patience with the antics of Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski , I hope they aren’t so negative with Szczesny, who appears to be a real talent and a possible long-term number one for Arsenal. Let’s not forget that Szczesny was brilliant all game apart from the mistake.

Of course, given Szczesny’s brash attitude and ceaseless confidence, opponent fans are sure to jump on any mistake that he makes. That’s why it’s important that Arsenal fans stand by their man.

Let’s not forget he’s only 21-years-old and is still learning his trade in the Premier League. None of the current goalkeepers playing for a top EPL side were half as good as Szczesny at his age, and it’s unsurprising if a mistake or two creeps into his game.

What surprises me (and fills me with optimism) is that a high-profile mistake hasn’t been made sooner. Some fans may point to the blunder in the final of the Carling Cup last season but I always placed the blame at Laurent Koscielny ’s feet for that one.

Wojciech hasn’t just impressed for his ability to make spectacular saves, it’s the consistency of his ability to do so that’s been a joy to behold. For somebody his age it’s remarkable to consider just what he’s pulled off so soon into his career, and somewhat scary to consider what he might be capable of in the long-term. If things continue in this vein he will surely have a massive future ahead of him.

Arsenal fans know how good he is and I’m sure they won’t let a single mistake (no matter what its implication were on the North London derby) change their opinion of him.

Article courtesy of Harry Cloke from This is Futbol


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4 Comments

  • Essexian76 says:
    Date: October 5th, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    The reality of Sunday’s game was Friedel was pretty idle for the most part and if Almunia or better still Fabianski was in goal we’d have put at least another 3 perhaps 4 away. He looks the real deal, no question about it.

    Reply

    says: The reality of Sunday's game was Friedel was pretty idle for the most part and if Almunia or better still Fabianski was in goal we'd have put at least another 3 perhaps 4 away. He looks the real deal, no question about it.
    Essexian76
  • Domhuaille MacMathghamhna says:
    Date: October 5th, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    He is potentially a world class keeper but my real concern is his positioning failures and the fact that Barcelona or Real (or City) will be sniffing around and tapping him up sooner than later.

    Reply

    says: He is potentially a world class keeper but my real concern is his positioning failures and the fact that Barcelona or Real (or City) will be sniffing around and tapping him up sooner than later.
    Domhuaille MacMathghamhna
  • The New Voice Of Football says:
    Date: October 5th, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    One keeper as good at a top club at his age is Joe Hart. However, even as a Spurs fan, he has impressed me more each time I see him. Tottenham, would have been out of sight on Sunday had it not been for Szczesny.

    Reply

    says: One keeper as good at a top club at his age is Joe Hart. However, even as a Spurs fan, he has impressed me more each time I see him. Tottenham, would have been out of sight on Sunday had it not been for Szczesny.
    The New Voice Of Football
  • Ray says:
    Date: October 5th, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    Thats what he’s f**king well paid to do, nothing special there. The only reason he is in the spotlight is the inept performances of the Almunia and Fabianski. If the Arse get betten heavily again, the doubts will no doubt resurface.

    Reply

    says: Thats what he's f**king well paid to do, nothing special there. The only reason he is in the spotlight is the inept performances of the Almunia and Fabianski. If the Arse get betten heavily again, the doubts will no doubt resurface.
    Ray

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