Arsenal’s Defensive Disaster: Should Wenger Now Start Havard Nordtveit?

Havard Nordtveit - sourced from http://gfx.dagbladet.no

As Arsenal ended the 2009/2010 campaign without the refreshing, rewarding presence of a trophy, manager Arsene Wenger vowed to implement changes into his youthful squad in hopes of reinforcing a stronger title challenge for next season.

Critics and fans alike believed the goalkeeper position was the most glaring in need of change. Since Jens Lehman departure in 2008, the Gunners have failed to boast a quality, reliable presence between the sticks. Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski had tried gallantly and were occasionally brilliant, but both had a tendency to make vital errors on a consistent basis.

However, Wenger was unable to attract a quality keeping presence, but the Frenchman was tremendously active in terms of defensive reinforcements. So as 2010-11 commenced, all felt that once again Arsenal’s keeping conundrum would be the main reason to their eventual failure.

But, surprisingly, it has not been the case. Manuel Almunia began the season in solid fashion before a persistent elbow injury has seen the Spaniard absent since September. Deputy Lukasz Fabianski has been superb in Almunia’s absence, proving his capability as a dominant keeper.