Automatic to Manuel
Aug 24th, 2007 by 'holic
Ahead of the visit of Manchester City most of the column inches are devoted to the absence of Jens Lehmann due to ‘injury’.
Time may give us a clue just how genuine the knock is, and if the German is not back in a couple of weeks there may be some reason to assume that his absence is more political than physical. The crazy one has given us a great deal in the last four years, and I hope this is not an untidy end to his spell as Arsenal number one.
Manuel Almunia has had his critics in recent years, but it has to be said he looked in confident mood in pre-season and will be keen to grab the opportunity to establish himself. Most criticisms of the Spaniard centre around a perceived weakness at the near post, yet if he can keep a few clean sheets it is easy to see him enjoying a long run in the side.
William Gallas and Emmanuel Eboue will also be missing but otherwise a potential return beckons, possibly on the bench, for Gilberto Silva and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Surprise table-toppers City arrive minus Bojinov, but welcome the returning Ireland. For a club who have so many new faces they appear to have gelled quickly under Sven Goran Eriksson, and last week humbled neighbours United on home turf. This, however, should be a stiffer test.
So many people are suggesting this game could go the way of so many frustrating encounters last season. I am sticking my neck out to disagree. In all honesty I saw City riding their luck against United last week, and the holic pound is going on a comfortable two goal margin tomorrow, 3-1 to the Gunners.
Start the engine James…
2 Responses to “Automatic to Manuel”
Lucky win.. Great save from Kasper.. Maybe the kid is not a three game wonder.. Must admit was waiting for the winning goal..
I think it was a deserved win. City barely troubled us and Almunia was flawless. Arsenal had most of the possesion and a lot of good chances.