Arsenal boss outlines goalkeeper plans after Szczesny’s return

Wojciech Szczesny, Arsenal goalkeeper. Photo: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

Tuesday, November 20, 2012
2:50 PM

Arsene Wenger has told goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to show he is Arsenal’s number one after he made his return from injury in Saturday’s 5-2 defeat of Tottenham.

Wenger praised Italian stopper Vito Mannone for deputising in Szczesny’s absence but expects the Poland international to prove his status as Arsenal’s first choice now that he’s back to full fitness.

“Mannone has done very well, he deserves a lot of credit,” said Wenger.

“Wojciech has the qualities. He has played only one game [since his injury].

“At the start of the season, he was number one, played well, then moved out of the team for injury, and then moved back.

“In my head, he was number one, so he gets the chance to show he is number one.

“In between Mannone has done very well. It is now down to the performances of Wojciech. He has the qualities, he is a top keeper.”