Arsene Wenger's Troubles: Who's in Goal for Arsenal?

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Arsene Wenger has serious selection issues in a position that, at the start of the season, you would have thought he would have little trouble deciding. Goalkeeper.

After poor performances in the early parts of the season, first choice Manuel Almunia looked to have left the door to dominant keeper ajar. Then, when the Spaniard was hit with a fairly serious chest infection, a replacement was needed.

The usual deputy, Poland's Lukas Fabianski, was still recovering from surgery after he suffered an injury last term.

Arsenal's third choice was Vito Mannone. A young Italian who had been rarely used since joining the North London side from Atlanta of the Serie A.

Mannone's run didn't get off to the best of starts. The 21-year-old keeper conceded two goals in five minutes against Belgium opponent Standard Liege.

Although Arsenal would come back in dramatic fashion to triumph over Liege 3-2, fans speculated the value of having the young Italian in goal.

After another mediocre performance, the Italian provided a phenomenal performance that instantly changed the mindset of the footballing world on Vito. Mannone pulled of a number of amazing saves and earned Arsenal a 1-0 win.

However, costly errors came into play in the following games, and doubts over Mannone's talent resurfaced.

Last week Arsenal witnessed the return of Lukas Fabianski, the Polish international who was out for almost a week, just in time for the anticipated Carling Cup clash with Liverpool.

Fabianski showed that he is capable of being a strong keeper, and that he has gained from the experience he received last season when Almunia was injured.

Arsene Wenger now has three fit keepers that are all capable of being a first-choice keeper. The question is who will get the job?

Manuel Almunia

The most experienced and oldest keeper in the youthful Gunners squad. However, since taking the role from Jens Lehman in 2008, the Spaniard has tended to make costly errors in important games. 

However, he is a strong, flexible keeper who is a quiet achiever.

Lukas Fabianski

The 24-year-old keeper may have been out for a while, but he is capable of being a doughty contributor in goal. He has good leaping ability and quick reflexes. He has also got sufficient experience and could prove to be a world-class keeper.

Vito Mannone

Still young and fresh, Mannone has a bundle of potential and will only continue to grow. However it may be too early for him to be given the keeper job.

So who exactly does Arsene Wenger choose?

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