Have you ever gone looking for one thing and found something else instead?
You know, like when you’re trying to find a screwdriver in the back of the drawer (to fix that shelf and keep your wife from nagging) but instead you come across some old Arsenal match day programmes.
One thing leads to another and before you know it the wonky shelf is forgotten and you’re lost in the delights of Terry Neill’s “Manager’s Notebook” for the game against Sunderland in 1981.
Well, that happened to me yesterday in relation to our current stand-in goalkeeper, Don Vito Corleone Di Tortellini Degli Mannone.
After watching our away win at West Ham (hah! we shoved THOSE bubble where the sun don’t shine) I was left with the feeling that the West Ham players had gone out of their way to harm Don Vito.
I became convinced this must have been a deliberate ploy by Fat Sam to try and intimidate a young and relatively inexperienced ‘keeper.
The most heinous incident was when the Hammers’ winger Ricardo Vas Deferens deliberately trailed his boot into Mannone’s face while ostensibly jumping over him.
It should have been a red card for Vas Oline but the hopelessly inept Phil Dowd missed it (just like he missed the penalty on Aaron Ramsey). Fortunately fate had other ideas and evened up the score by causing the Portuguese to break his collarbone on landing.
I had also noticed some other moments in which the Don received some rough treatment.
I am a busy man, with a job to do, three kids to provide for and a wife to defuse and render harmless (still working on it), so when faced with such idle speculation about the malevolent motives of the Walrus I took the only responsible course of action: I dropped everything and watched the entire match again on Arsenal Player.
To my surprise, I had to admit that there was not a deliberate campaign to rough up our young Italian. He took a whack in the face from Carroll’s shoulder when clearing a high ball in the 32nd minute.
He had Kevin Nolan (anangram: An Evil Nonk) all over him at a corner and was whacked by Winston Reid in the same incident. But really there was nothing untoward. If anything, I was struck by how honestly and fairly Andy Carroll competed for the high balls throughout the game. His eyes were always on the ball and when his arms were raised it was always for elevation and with none of the elbow-stabbing movement for which certain other players are notorious (yes Kevin Davies – I’m looking at you).
I had had a vague idea of writing a Post headlined “Did Fat Sam Send His Players Out To Harm Mannone”, but the facts – on second viewing – did not support the thesis.
However, what I did find during this second viewing – like a 1980s match day programme at the back of a drawer – was a really, really strong performance from Il Custodiante. Better than I had appreciated on first viewing.
Mannone had one dodgy moment in the entire match – coming for the ball in the 66th minute but being beaten in the air by Carroll whose header, thankfully, looped wide.
And even in that case there is an argument that he would not have had to come if either of our central defenders had thought to mark the big Geordie in the penalty area.
But aside from that he looked composed and confident all game long. He made a couple of smart saves (including one low down to his left with the game still finely balanced at 1-2). And his kicking was outstanding. Even when he was given the ball under pressure, he managed to clear it such a long way into the Hammers’ half that we could all breath a sigh of relief.
I also spotted him organising defenders and talking to team mates to tell them where to stand at corners and so on.
It’s too early to say whether Don Vito could turn out to be our Number One ‘keeper. I have read many comments suggesting he is not as commanding or imposing as Wojcech Szczesny.
But on the weekend’s evidence his shot stopping is very good, his kicking is excellent and his decision making was as good as the Pole’s has been.
I feel his horror moment in the Champions League against Olympiakos last season (when he amusingly leapfrogged a goal-bound ball that he could easily have caught) has tarnished his reputation in the eyes of many Arsenal fans.
Now, even when he has a good game, they say things like “he doesn’t really convince” and “you always feel he’s going to make at least one gaffe every game.” I know: I have done it myself.
He just doesn’t get cut the same sort of slack that Szczesny does – even though Wojcech has also had his share of moments more suited to “Funniest Home Videos” than to “Match of the Day.”
Maybe it’s time to start watching Vito’s performances without prejudice and give our Italian rapscallion a fair crack of the whip.
His loan spell at Hull City was deemed a great success by the Tigers’ fans and it may just be that Mannone is growing into the job of being Arsenal’s goalkeeper. With Szczesny rumoured to be out for several weeks yet, the Don will at least get the chance to show us if he is up to the task.
All we need to do is support him.
RockyLives
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Good and bad Rocky.
Good: well, just the bleeding obvious, such as yet another superb post.
However, from a personal point of view, marginally overshadowed by two bads. One, the use of the term “crack of the whip” as you know how provocative that is to Peaches, particularly as I think she has me in her sights for a post, and also the topic, as I had pinpointed the ‘keeper as an area for discussion.
Very glad you go there before me.
I do agree that Vito is beginning to really look the business and I hope that he becomes Sz-like in his confidence and shoutyness.
When I look at some of the goals conceded from set plays, I cannot help thinking a more authoritative keeper ought to spot the dangers and marshall his defence accordingly. Perhaps more games will see Vito develop that authority.
Can’t argue with that; all the conceded goals have been down to defending errors, his kicking is good and he has a calm determination about him. Chezzer had so much expectation to live up to and he’s such a big personality, I hope he knuckles down and sorts himself out. Good competition for places is just what the team needs.
Lovely post, Rocktastic. I assume you didn’t have it vetted by Mrs Rocky first….
As one who has been defending Mannone for quite a while, I agree with a lot of what you say. Generally, his kicking is the best amongst our GKs but it should be remembered that he had an absolute mare with his kicking in the Chelsea game. I wouldn’t say he’s about to become our No1 but Fabainski’s extended absence must mean Mannone has staked a real claim to have become our first choice back up to Sz.
But once Sz is fit again, he’ll have plenty to do to prove himself again, after a very uneven 2012 for AFC and Poland. And you never know, perhaps our Italian could put pressure on.
Anyway, despite all the endoftheworld predictions about having Mannone in goal, we’ve not suffered for having him there. He is without doubt one of the best third choice keepers around, and we’re lucky to have him, at least for now. Next summer, there might be some GK recruitment, given the near impossibility of retaining both Fab and Mannone.
Great post RL
All i have to say is that I think he’s looking promising, though not yet no1.
I was always confident it would take that something special to beat Woj, however his form dip has seriously effected that opinion.
I’m on the same confidence level with the pair of them as it stands.
Have a nice day!
Happy Birthday to the King of Highbury for the 10th of october 😀
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_cKAIuydyY
RL,
I think you may get diverse opinions about Mannone but as 26th. correctly points out he is our third choice keeper.
I have to say that since Seaman retired I have always been nervous with our keepers .Lehmann was obviously good but he wasn’t called “mad jens” for nothing.Almunia had his moments but was never really top top class.Fabianski is shot, that CL game awy destroyed his confidence and our young Pole in goal still has a lot to learn. I see we maybe after Vorm in january,but most probably another false rumour, but we need a mentor. look at Spurs they have the ageing friedal (who would have been excellent for us in the mentor role) and now have bought Lloris. I still get nervous with Mannone at crosses and corner kicks and I think there is a case that the defence is more organised this season, thus far fewer goals conceded.
I can’t see both Chezzer and Mannone being in the same squad after the next couple of seasons. Both are ambitious and good enough to be top level number 1’s. Neither are the finished article so the question is can one or both of them polish off their weaknesses to become that cliched “World class”. At Arsenal we need a long term number 1 that can be considered in the class bracket of Seaman, Buffon, Schmeichel, and the current Joe Hart.
As they are both young and we will not likely keep both of them in the long term we probably have this season to work out who will claim that permanent number 1 spot. There is the possibility that AW will feel at the end of the season that both are very good but will not be able to make that final transition to the required top level, and may then move for someone like Vorm. Assuming that one of these 2 can make it which one is the best option? I would analyse it on 2 counts. Firstly their likely long term commitment to Arsenal football club, and secondly their different technical merits and deficiencies.
On the first count I think Mannone has not done himself any favours with his professed love of Milan and his wish to play for them at some point. More than any other player a great keeper can give a big club continuity til the age of 40, and I for one don’t want to see the club having to find a quality replacement when that keeper is 30 and in their prime. If Mannone stays and becomes a world class number 1 and Milan come calling I can see him pleading with us to let him go to the club of his heart and the one that he has always supported since childhood. It is the DNA issue all over again! Contrast that with Chezzer and, while none of us can be completely sure, you get the feeling he is Arsenal through and through, and that it is our club that is in his heart. For me that is round 1 to Chezzer.
On the technical side both have faults. Both seem to have moments of the rush of blood to the head and steam out when they shouldn’t. If anything I feel Mannone is less likely to do this than Chezzer currently. On shot stopping ability they both seem good, and I would have them both fairly equal on that count. On command and presence in the box this is where I still feel, despite the better showing against West Ham, that Chezzer has the big edge on Mannone. I still get very nervous with Mannone with high balls into a crowded box while I feel Chezzer generally has a great commanding presence beyond his years. I personally feel it is much harder to improve that side of a goalkeepers ability which for me has, to some degree, be instictively in a keeper. I feel it is probably easier to improve on decision making and to reign in those moments of making the wrong decision on when to come out. For me on the technical level I would still therefore go for Chezzer, and, coupled with the potential long-term comittment to the club, this is why I would still plump for him as our future number 1.
Great post Rockstar,
He really has come on leaps and bounds, and like you said the loan spells at Hull definitely improved his game. He took a few whacks against WHU and he took it on the chin (it does look like it was made for boxing after all) and showed a lot of toughness.
I’d be more confident having him as our number 2 as opposed to Fabs. Simply because he is dependable and solid, whereas Fabianski takes a few games to get warmed up.
Also in regards to you Arteta post (very good read)…No,No and NO!!!! From a personal stand point he deserves it, but as a selfish supporter Spain can bugger off! Internationals have blighted us enough. The less players in worthless friendlies the better!
Like the comment GoonerB, though personally I wouldn’t put Joe Hart anywhere near Seaman, Buffon or Schmeichel, or the pre-cracked skull Cech. Hart is good, and is the best English keeper since Seaman, but doesn’t have the quality to be bracketed with the best, not yet anyway.
And Kelsey, agree 100% re Friedel, who’s been my favourite PL keeper for years. He started to decline last season, but you’re right, he would’ve been an excellent elder statesman amongst our keepers.
Will be interesting to see Exile’s comments on this topic.
GoonerB . Fine comment. An excellent summing up of the situation.
I believe Chesney is the better shot stopper – his reaction’s are very fast and I doubt he would have been beaten by Torres goal with the ball so close to his body. Just look at some of his double saves.
And where does this leave Fabianski?
He’s not good enough for Arsenal.
End of.
@ 26
Thank you for your help with the court advice, it helped immensely. Really appreciate it.
No worries Oz, just hope it went as well as it could.
A sensible post in a time when stupidity is the order of the day. Tried to prove to some morons on Arseblog that this is the best hand of the lot that we have but they were dead deaf and abusive even though they had nothing tangible to say. Still waiting for one of the fools to come up with something sensible. In close to 20games in EPL with Mannone on we have only lost one and we always look better organized. Its nocoincidence. And the guy has no nerves in his body, which bodes well for a keeper.
Brilliant, Rocky.
A seminal post that you’re ether going to like or detestes.
For those of you wondering what’s happened to Fabianski, this gives a clue.
Hello All and thanks for the comments.
Sorry to give the Mannone/Szczesny debate a retread (I know it has been aired a few times already) but I was really struck by how confident he seemed in the W Ham game.
Big Al – I suspect your view is representative of the majority of fans, but I’m more inclined to agree with Thorough.
The boy’s done well and it’s almost as if we are seeking out excuses to slag him off. With Szcz the reverse is true – we seek out excuses for his mistakes.
I guess time will tell.
Rockabye Baby, 🙂
Smooth, creamy with a delicious little bite to it – no not a pint of Guinness – but your elegant and eloquent Post.
The adjectives, smooth, creamy, elegant and eloquent are bye words for your essay mastery, but ‘bite’ seems a little discordant you might think?
Well that dissonant word refers to my disagreement with your contention that Man One is in any way a rival to Chezzer for the No.1 shirt.
I know it might be heretical to disagree in such forthright terms, and if you could see me now you would note that my tremulous smile is in fact in danger of becoming an ingratiating rictus.
None the less, having paid the necessary obeisance to my literary liege I must declare my reasons for taking such an insolent stance.
If my Liege Lord believes Man One’s kicking either on the volley or from goal kicks is ‘outstanding’ or ‘excellent’ as declared above, then it pains me to say that You like the Net Keeper in question, need glasses of the highest density. 🙂
Your unworthy acolyte noted on countless occasions – well OK about 5 times – in the Chelsea game the wretch kicked the projectile straight out of play by the half way line, to the polite applause of whichever Arsenal player found himself 10 feet under its trajectory, or, on at least one other occasion, the fellow kicked the ball straight to a Chav player after it was passed back to him.
— I must declare that I do have a slight sympathy with Man One there, your honor, however niggardly I am in admitting it, as I think the continual passing of the ball backwards to our young GK, by his defensive cadre, is heinous and deserving of a severe pd caning on the arse, to be administered by one who has a proper authority when swishing the whip! Any suggestions?
You, of course, your immenseness, will know the bare significance of the term ‘pd’, so there is no need to further elaborate.
I realise I have transgressed the boundaries of respect and adulation that are your due, Oh Master, so I am prostrating myself in abject fear whilst I am just typing this last teensy weeny, itsy bitsy and very recalcitrant little keyboard character!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOW I am running!! 🙂
Haha Redders
You disagree with me wholeheartedly but in such a charming way that I end up feeling flattered! Very clever.
You’re right about his kicking against the Chavskis – but I don’t really mind that much if they go out of play (obviously I would prefer they went to one of our boys) as long as they are punted up the field and out of harm’s way.
Szczszczszcz is often quite wonky with his kicking – not in the sense of booting the ball into touch beyond the half way line, but in that he regular fails to clear it any great distance and it often goes straight to an opponent in OUR half of the pitch, immediately putting us under huge pressure.
Still, having two good young ‘keepers who both think they should be No 1 can’t be bad thing.
Now look here, Rock my boy, even when I try to pick an argument with you, I cannot! 🙂
I still haven’t given up tho’!
You postulate when speaking of me in your response, that “You wholeheartedly disagree with me”, implying that I am capable of suspending credulity and disagreeing not judiciously and solely with reference to Man One’s ball kicking ability, ouch, but the entirety of your marvellous well written and beautifully reasoned Post.
That is a calumny — How dare you, Sir? I demand you instantly retract the comment or I will I demand satisfaction, this instant!!
Gooner B
Good point about Man One’s Milan DNA thingummy.
As BR says, when you have a good ‘keeper you want him to stay well into his mid 30s.
Sir, I refuse to retract.
What will it be?
Pistols at dawn?
Or Peronis at dusk?
Rock My Socks,
You will be hearing from my Second, Glic, aka Deadly Doris, and my Third, Terry Telescope, aka Tug Boat Tilly.
And let that be a lesson to you.
Well I’ll bring my Paranoid Schizophrenic Pal FIL. He will be my second AND my third.
And depending on how his multiple personalities go, possibly my fourth, fifth and sixth as well.
Afternoon all.
What are the ages of our three keepers?
Szcz is 22
The Don is 24
Fab is 27
Kanu is 83
ROLF Kanoooo
Mmmm, they are very young aren’t they, and they really have not grown up in the shadow of a great.
We did miss out on Shay Given
Just realized I’m in London tuesday and wenesday next week. What a bugger as they would be ideal for a home fixture. Grrrrrr
Bloody hell, its about that time when Her Ladyship gets in. No posts, no ideas and guess what, its blog death weekend 😦
BTW, “An Evil Nonk” sounds like an insult straight out of a script for Porridge.
Norman Stanley Fletcher, has there ever been a better Spurs fan??
A full set:
Sz 22
Fab 27
Don Vito 24
Martinez 20
Shea 21
Is Shay Given still alive?
Micky, well done for volunteering to write tomorrow’s post, you’re a trooper.
26,
Take that back!
You know very well that Anevil Nonk is my current girlfriend and Annie Bodiwilldo is Rocky’s bit on the side!
After his sterling performances in the Breakfast Club he is indeed a trouper! Ask Chas. 🙂
All is well 26, RA has already been dominated.
Trooper or trouper? I think in Micky’s case, it’s both: in facing up to his post-writing duties, he is both brave and stoical.
Thinking of our young keepers needing guidance from an authoritative shouty sort, how about:
Name: Percy Harrison Fawcett
Born: 1867
Occupation: Explorer and Complete Bastard
Hobbies: Tiger shooting in Bengal.
Qualifications: Enormous moustache, and booming voice.
Micky, does RA realise he’s about seven feet taller than Peaches?
whats wrong with Fabianski?
neamman
the answer to that question could be very long 🙂
But if you’re referring to his injury, the latest on Arsenal.com is this: “Speaking on September 13, Arsene Wenger said: ‘Lukasz Fabianski is out with a shoulder problem. He has come back from Poland with a shoulder problem.'”
Vague, or what?
I just wanted to clarify that my rather silly 1.58 was a continuation of the Vas Deferens pun. As if anyone could ever detest a Rocky post! 🙂
26,
Excuse me a moment, but a couple of points needing clarification, I feel:
Trooper…as in super?
And most seriously, Brave….as in?
Bloody typical. Mention post writing duties and RA scarpers. Little snake 🙂
RA is 77″ tall.
Let Peaches be the variable (x-84)
x – 84 = x; x – 84 + 84 = x + 84; x = x + 84
RA at 77″ cannot equal (Peaches (77 – 84″) = -7″
Alarm!! Klaxon!!! Foghorn!!!! This does not compute — 26 despite his math name speaks with forked bum!
{Any mathematicians out there — take a hike – we are just funning, OK!!) 🙂
I’ve sent a silly picture quiz to Nuts, Micky, but I don’t think it’ll absolve you from post writing duties. 🙂
I’m a lanky snake, Micky!!
And as for Post writing, the master of all scribbly things has given me a certificate excusing my boots and declaring I am a first degree “Master Nincompoop” and therefore qualified as a scribbly simpleton!
So stick that in your pipe! (As Chas – he is dying to write a Post!) 🙂
Precisely. What is wrong with Fabianski? Injured in December last year with a knee injury – not seen since apart from 2 FAC games.
And TPIG was due to be out for 3 weeks, but it is now seven weeks since he went MIA and he is still at least 3 weeks away from returning.
Clearly we have problems.
Great article Rokcy,
I’m a Vito fan. In his present form he is at the same stage as Sz was when he first took over as the regular No.1. He is certainly too good for a number 3 unless devoid of ambition.
I suspect Fab2 will be off sometime soon so the hope is that VM will be happy to battle with Sz for the No. 1 spot at Arsenal.
As = Ask (I just know no one could work that out except simpletons like me!) 🙂
Thanks chas …. and Micky, you’re not off the hook 😕
chas. I thought 1.58 was a spelling mistake …. duhhhhh
Spurs
…
ha ha
….
Chas, have they turned Fab into a horse head?
For what it is worth, I believe Damian Martinez is the future Arsenal GK,
Apparently Reice Charles-Cook is a good prospect too (and Arsenal Gentleman won’t even have to make up a new name for him 🙂 )
Is Arsenal Gentleman (is it Chas or GM who post his comments?) a Blog site or do you have to be a member of Twitter/Facebook?
Micky
As far as I know you have to be a Twittererer
Micky,
I think you can have a gander without being on twitter.
RA,
I think Fab2 woke up one morning with a horse’s head in his bed and the shock put his shoulder out.
Don Vito is serious about becoming Arsenal’s number one.
Good or bad news? I can’t quite decide.
https://twitter.com/MickTheGooner/status/256821941145571328
http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=VlAfbbM1cyU
I wrote a very good comment in reply to this very good post at about 10am, but clearly it disappeared into the AA etherweb.
That tackle by San Marinos goalkeeper was a disgrace!
Great. Theo out for some time. Makes me maaadddd
Ramsey suspended for the next Wales game after getting a yellow card.
Result!
Went to the team site to see what the official word was on young Mr. Mannone. When one clicks on the ‘stats’ tab, all one learns is that he has yet to score a Premier League goal. Now, I’m new at this, but that doesn’t strike me as particularly unusual or alarming.
What stats does one normally track for goaltenders? (Clean sheets/shutouts, goals against, shots against, others?)
Oh, and yay Canada, who beat a Cuban team that had five members mysteriously vanish, lost another to a red card and the remaiander probably secretly had the flu. Bring on the Hondurans!
Oxlade-Chamberlain made his own little bit of history 14 minutes from time, 4th youngest goalscorer for England after Tommy Lawton, Michael Owen and the Granny Shagger.
19 years and 2 months. It’s easy to forget how young he is.
Goal at 4.30
Morning Chas,
Theo out, urgh, how long?
Did you submit a post (you said something about a quiz), or are they expecting?
It was a decent performance from Ox. Most of his shots on target, some fine link up play especially with Rooney and a smart goal.
Hope Theo is OK
Micky. If you are panicking, I have one in the loading bay.
Nearly done Raddy, but let’s face it, quiet it will be this weekend.
A fine finish by Ox.
Apparently Theo spent night in hospital, there were memories of Schumacer on Battiston the way the keeper came out, hopefully he is alright, I was worried about his shoulder at first.
Rambo went down last night trying to get his team a pen, as did a few others in his team, guess they’ve been watching Bale in training. Interesting when Bale scored penalty to equalise he went off to take glory whilst Rambo went to get the ball to crack on for the win.
Does that surprise you GIE?
Bale is just another in a very long line of ego-centric oafs produced by the Miscreants. Adebayor has finally arrived at his natural habitat. Van de Vaart enjoyed his stay,
That said, MonkeyBoy is a superb footballer, not the sharpest tool but is learning Spanish ahead of his transfer next summer
True Micky. Good opportunity to pick up some brownie points with Mrs Raddy.
Raddy,
Lads day out here. The wife and daughter are off horsing, so son and I are heading for a cliff walk, fire on the beach with burgers and a game of chess.
First, light my new Heath Robinson food smoker, so that there is cold smoked venison awaiting this evening.
Post sent.
I suppose it doesn’t Raddy, should clarify Rambo didn’t get the pen for his tumble, Bale won it later, minimal contact to say the least.
Micky. The Devonish Pantheon!
Sounds like a brilliant day. Wish I were with you…… Can you play 3 handed chess or could you arrange for a big breasted young ….. better stop right now.
Raddy,
Just sent two pics of smoker to your mobile. Taken five mins ago.
Micky one to try in your smoker as recommended by the owner of the pub I went to for lunch yesterday….smoked goose and pickled peaches.
GiE,
Sounds good and particularly the pickled peaches.
My goose is cooked already.
Micky. Not arrived here. Do you have International clearance???
I will email my number
Apeman dives again. Not news. Ok.
Hi Micky, 🙂
Apart from lip smacking food, you seem to be leading the life of a famous American Trapper, or redoing the Lewis and Clarke expedition among the American indians.
I’ll be down next week with my Bowie knife and Fowler gun so we can shoot duck!! 🙂
Morning all…….
…. New post …….. a great piece of graphic fun from chas 😛
Thanks to Micky for his offering, we will use it tomorrow – just ran out of time today … busy, busy busy
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