Arsenal may have struggled with their goalkeeping situation for the past few months, but that has not stopped them allowing Italian Vito Mannone to depart for Hull City. The 22-year-old has joined the Tigers until January according to BBC Sport, and could make his debut in this evening’s fixture with Sheffield United.
Mannone, who made four appearances during a similar loan to Barnsley in 2006, joins former Gunner Jay Simpson at the KC Stadium. Simpson made the move north in mid-August.
Full-backs must supply Chamakh.
Former Liverpool coach Phil Thompson believes that a lack of quality deliveries from Arsenal’s full-backs means the Gunners have failed to make the most of Marouane Chamakh’s killer heading ability.
Thompson, who is currently a pundit for Sky Sports, told their website: “Marouane Chamakh is starting to settle in, but he’s still not as alert and alive as the other players in the link-up play.
“He’s still learning that side of the game and will be frustrated that Arsenal don’t deliver many quality balls from the flanks to utilise his aerial presence. Chamakh is a handful in the air and I think Arsene Wenger should try to add that variety to their game, although I must admit Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna leave a lot to be desired when it comes to delivering a final ball.”
Eduardo won’t celebrate.
Former Arsenal striker Eduardo claims he will not celebrate if he scores tonight. The 27-year-old spent a happy three years at Arsenal, and says that leaving north London was the hardest decision of his career. A terrible leg injury put paid to a run of form with Arsenal in 2008, and the Croatian international departed for Shakhtar Donetsk for £6m this summer.
Speaking to Mirror Football, Eduardo said: “I don’t think I will celebrate. I respect the club. I had some great moments here and have respect for the supporters and Mr Wenger, for the club.”