The Situation
Lukasz Fabianski has been a humble servant at Arsenal for quite a few years. His patience as he has understudied Manuel Almunia and now Wojciech Szczesny has gone unnoticed until recently. His opportunities to shine in the FA Cup and against Bayern Munich in the Champions League have shown that he could finally be maturing into the goalkeeper that Arsene Wenger wants.
With the man on the verge of leaving the club, do his massively improved performances warrant a final run in the team?
The Decision
Whilst it is clear that Szczesny is the club’s first choice ‘keeper, Fabianski has staked his claim to be taken seriously. His impressive performances, including two saves in the FA Cup semi-final penalty shootout, have seen some fans question Wenger’s choice to use him only in cup games, particularly with league form being so terrible.
The two Poles have got entirely different styles. Szczesny is cocky and assured, with a very outspoken hatred of Spurs endearing him to the Emirates faithful. Fabianski, on the other hand, is a little bit more modest and keeps his thoughts away from social media sites.
Surprisingly, the decision form the coaching staff and Wenger was to stick with Szczesny for league games, despite the confidence shining through from the man formerly nicknamed ‘Flappyhandski’, in honour of his flailing limbs when attempting to claim crosses.
The Verdict
Wenger has an eye for talent and not often can he be questioned, however goalkeepers aren’t his strongest subject. Whilst it can be claimed that hindsight is a great tool, a lot of people wanted to see Vito Mannone (now at Sunderland) remain at the club. Despite their league position, he has been praised across the board for some terrific performances.
Now, with Fabianski set to move away (with Basel and Schalke the favourites for his signature), the club will be left with Szczesny, unproven Damian Martinez and possibly Emiliano Viviano, who is currently on loan from Palermo.
It is not often a substitute ‘keeper is used, but his importance is so paramount to a team, that any risks can cost a team dearly over a season. This verdict is a complete thumbs down. Keep Fabianski and give him a chance to shine!
Your Verdict
We asked: “Did everyone think it right to pick Fabianski against Wigan? Should he keep his place for the final?”
You replied:
@AllAboutTheAFC: “Definitely. Great performance. Calm and composed and not to confident to make stupid mistakes.”
@ako_essex: “he’s our cup keeper, he should stay our cup keeper, gotta play in the final”
@davidboinicol: “after what I seen of him in the penalty shoot out I think he should be gk for the final amazing saves in penalty shoot out”
@ArseneWeTrust8: “of course. He’s played every round. Man of the match 90% of times. Hero last round. Sczcesny hasn’t earned it.”
@GarrottTony: “Yes on both fronts will be a shame if he goes in the summer less arrogant than Cheza”
And we also had one gender confused response:
@jama_wilshere: “yeah she should start for the final !!”
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