Mannone targeting Arsenal first-team spot

Sep 5, 2012 6:10:00 PM

The Italian goalkeeper has flourished in Wojciech Szczesny's absence and hopes to cement his place as the Gunners' first-choice keeper in the coming weeks

Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has warned Wojciech Szczesny that he will have to fight to reclaim his place in Arsenal’s starting XI.

The Italian shot-stopper has kept a clean sheet in both his appearances against Stoke and Liverpool this season while deputising for the injured Szczesny.

The Polish keeper is expected to be fit for Arsenal’s game against Southampton at the Emirates on September 5, but Mannone’s impressive performances could see him retain his place between the sticks.

“I just roll up my sleeves and try to work because I know I can do well,” he told the club’s official website.

“When you are number one, you feel important and like the happiest man in the world, that sort of feeling gives me the chance to go onto the pitch with confidence.

“I would like to be involved more and more and establish myself.”

Mannone is relishing competing with Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski this season, and believes the added competition will benefit all three keepers.

“It is a good fight between the keepers because we know the level is quite high and you need to keep working and improve yourself to get the first spot,” he added.

Inside Goal.Com

Nigerians Abroad - Year in Review: Spain & Portugal
Goal begin their annual reports on Super Eagles stars overseas by focusing on those players plying their trade on the Iberian Peninsula; Spain and Portugal
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
Like Owomoyela, like Sam
The German-Nigerian has been put in the dicey position of having to decide his international future after J Loew called him up last week
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way