Mannone: ‘I felt Wenger understood I was ready to be number one’

Vito Mannone is feeling confident in goal for Arsenal. Photo: Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport

Thursday, September 20, 2012
7:31 AM

Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone believes that Arsene Wenger thinks that he is ready to become the Gunners’ first choice goalkeeper.

The 24-year-old has been understudy to Wojciech Szczesny and went to Hull on loan last season but has made three appearances this season after the Polish star’s injury.

The Italian’s performances have been impressive and revealed a discussion with the Gunners boss when Szczesny returned for the Southampton clash.

“I have always been focused,” he said. “I had two clean sheets in the first two games I played and before the Southampton game [which saw Szczesny return] the boss talked to me and for the first time I felt he understood I was ready to be No 1,” he said.

“It went well [against Montpellier] so I am really focused on gaining the No 1 spot and keeping it. The boss had some nice words for me and he talked to me and said I am ready to be No 1.

“So I just need to show him what I’m doing and hopefully I can get that spot and do my best to help this team win some trophies.”