Arsenal Goalkeeping Conundrum: Is It Now Time for Wenger To Play Vito Mannone?

Arsenal succumbed to a shocking 3-2 loss at the Emirates to newly promoted West Bromwich Albion.

It was once again the same story for the Gunners: poor keeping cost them dearly.

Manuel Almunia, relatively mistake-free and confident start to the 2010-11 campaign, was diminished in a matter of minutes as the Spaniard endured a horrendous afternoon.

Despite saving a penalty that No. 33 caused, Almunia was atrocious, allowing a long-range shot to slip past him for the Baggies' second before failing to deal with a through ball that resulted in the third and ultimately winning goal.

Midweek in the Carling Cup against rivals Tottenham, deputy keeper Lukasz Fabianski had also endured another unimpressive evening, as the Polish shot-stopper failed to contain a weak effort from Robbie Keane which saw Tottenham equalize.

Fortunately Arsenal prevailed.

The lack of presence in between the posts has been an ongoing conundrum for the Gunners since Jens Lehman's departure in 2008. Arsene Wenger opted to promote Manuel Almunia to first choice keeper and Lukasz Fabianski to deputy, rather than to secure the signing of a quality keeper.

The move has failed to pay off, as the pair has shown they are not capable of defending the goal for a team that has a calibre like Arsenal.

Both have a tendency to make errors from simple situations in vital games; the two also are tremendously inconsistent, have poor disposal, and are indecisive off set pieces and corners.

After 2009-10 saw Arsenal once again finish without a trophy, thus ensuring it has been five seasons without silverware gracing the Arsenal trophy cabinet, fans and the footballing world alike were certain Wenger would dig deep and sign a quality keeper to cure the keeping conundrum.

However, the Frenchman was inconclusive in his search. Despite a host of rumours, Wenger was unable to materialize a deal, which ensured Arsenal began the season with their shaky duo.

But it is not like Wenger has no choice but to utilize Almunia and Fabianski. The Frenchman boasts two of the most promising young keepers in world football at his disposal: Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny have patiently awaited their slim opportunities as well as endured loan spells, whilst the two experienced shot-stoppers falter at the front of the helm.

Both young guns have shown great promise for the Gunners: Mannone received a shot stint last season when injuries hit Almunia and Fabianski. The Italian was shaky to begin with but was superb in one particular outing against Fulham, where the 22-year-old looked unstoppable.

Wojciech Szczensy was also given a chance in the Carling Cup last season and didn't disappoint before departing to Brentford on loan. The Polish keeper was outstanding prompting Wenger to admit that the 20-year-old will soon be the Arsenal No. 1.

Wojciech Szczensy has grown increasingly frustrated in his failure to receive chances, publicly announcing his intentions if things did not sway. Wenger says despite Szczensy's talent, Vito Mannone is still ahead in the pecking order and deserves a chance.

No one denies this and it raises the question: Is it time for Wenger to finally show some cold blood and drop Almunia and Fabianski and elevate Vito Mannone to No. 1?

The 22-year-old is an imposing keeper, blessed with sensational reactions and showed last campaign what he is capable of. Despite having a small tendency to be shaky of set pieces, which should diminish with experience, Mannone and Szczensy need to be given a run. 

The pair will be eager to move elsewhere should opportunities continue not to come their respective ways. It is clear Vito Mannone needs to start in the coming games.