It has been reported today that Arsene Wenger will put his trust in third-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny for tonight’s titanic clash against Manchester United. However at such a young age, is this the right game for the Pole to make his Premier League debut?
Lukasz Fabianski is supposedly struggling with a leg injury which may see him out of tonight’s game at Old Trafford, and as a result, Wenger has looked to the 20-year-old Pole to replace his national compatriot.
The decision by the Frenchman will no doubt enrage the Arsenal No.2 shot-stopper Manuel Almunia, as the 33-year-old has declared himself fit and raring to go. If the decision wasn’t bad enough for the Spaniard, who has been nursing an elbow injury, Fabianski is still in with a shot of making the bench.
Szczesny’s shock call-up will have several Arsenal fans scratching their heads in bewilderment and may be wondering why Wenger hasn’t opted for experience between the sticks for such a high-profile match.
Szczesny has made only 2 appearances for the Gunners this season (3 in total so far since joining the club in 2006) both of which were in the Carling Cup against Premier League outfits Newcastle and Wigan. The young shot-stopper performed extremely well in both ties showing signs of maturity and great commanding of his area, and as a result, kept back-to-back clean sheets in the competition. However, tonight’s match against title rivals Manchester United is a totally different ball-game altogether…wouldn’t you say guys?
Many Arsenal fans have been debating Wenger’s decision to throw the 20-year-old goalkeeper in the firing line on twitter. They have been discussing whether or not the Pole is ready for such a big game at such a tender age. Surprisingly, this prompted avid twitter user Szczesny to ‘tweet’ a message of confidence and self-belief to all Arsenal fans who have shown concern. At 12:37 he wrote:
‘Some of you have asked if I ever conceded a goal for Arsenal 1st team. Well… No!! 3 games – 3 clean sheets.’
There is no doubt in my mind from what I’ve seen of Szczesny that he will become Arsenal’s first-choice keeper at some stage in his career. Wenger has praised the youngster on a number of occasions in the past and said of the Pole’s future on Arsenal.com:
“I believe one day he will be the No.1 at Arsenal, certainly.”
Although I am confident in his ability, I believe it will be a step to far for the young shot-stopper. This is one of the most highly anticipated matches and rivalries in the Premier League and with not a lot of experience under his belt, Szczesny may find it very difficult tonight. Of course I hope I’m proven wrong and he has an outstanding game for Arsenal.
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Szczesny played very well against Man Utd, In fact he was our best player and that just shows how bad we played.
I think he is a great prospect for the future and looks very good.