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Why this ex-Manchester City star Should Have Been Given A Chance By Arsenal

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Even outfield players can provide great short term service. When Manchester United signed Henrik Larsson, a relative veteran for an outfield player at the age of 35, in December 2006, it proved to be a brilliant bit of business as he slotted in perfectly in helping them fight for the title that they eventually won in 2007. He actually left in March of that season, but he played his part in that title win. Alex Ferguson knew he wouldn’t be around for long, but out of all the players available, he was a very worthwhile option for that time and the rewards were reaped.

I’m sure Ferguson would have loved to have bought a young player for the future such as Lionel Messi, but realistically he was not going to be on sale so the Scotsman had to take what was on offer, which is what the Gunners could have kept in mind when it came to Given. Larsson was a success for a period, but when players became available who were not when United acquired the Swede, he was able to lure one of those such as Carlos Tevez to join the club the following summer from West Ham United.

The Argentine was undoubtedly swung by the title that the Red Devils had just won with help from Larsson, but he may not have been brought in had Ferguson deliberated and not signed anyone in the winter months that in turn would assist them in lifting the title.

Shay Given may not have been Arsenal’s ideal choice of goalkeeper, but at this present time, he was probably the best that they could have hoped for.

(C) Ricky Murray

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  • Moses Watasa says:

    Reliable ex-Newcastle and Manchester city shot-stopper Shay would have been Given by Arsene Wenger only if he was ‘unknown’, ‘suspect’ between the posts (an Almunia-of-sorts) and vaialable at less that 2 million pounds.

  • bergy says:

    This is nonsense. Fabianski was perhaps the best goalkeeper in the premiership the period he was the first-choice.

    Sczcesny has proved himself to be a talent of the highest quality. I can’t see one good reason for Arsenal to sign an older keeper who are not as good as the ones they already got.

    Given is to weak in the air, and would be an horrible solution for Arsenal

  • Lee Wright says:

    Why does everyone think we need a keeper, especially Given who is past it? We have Sczcesny who is far better than Given or Foster or anyone else we have been linked with

  • Goooner says:

    Fabianski is not the current Arsenal keeper…

    • Ricky Murray says:

      He may not the Number 1. but he IS a CURRENT Arsenal keeper. He’s signed to them NOW; a word that can also be interpreted as ‘current’.

  • MikeSA says:

    Too short, never leaves his line, doesn’t command his area.

    Good shot stopper, but so are all keepers at this level.

    Have no idea why certain people and sites obsess over Given for Arsenal.

    He’s not good enough and never has been, that’s why its always been a rumour with zero actual interest from Arsenal.

    • Ricky Murray says:

      Oh come on, he’s been a top-class goalkeeper for fifteen years in the Premiership. He may not be THE best in your opinion but I personally think he’s better than most keepers in the league at the present time including the current crop that Arsenal have at their disposal.

  • cin says:

    why didn’t Arsenal make an approach for him?

    Its a simple answer.
    Arsenal doesn’t want to win anything…….

  • Barry'sboots says:

    Some of you Arsenal fans are so blinkered. Given is a great keeper and has consistently been at the top of the EPL. He would have been a great solution for Arsenal. However, I do agree that Czesny looks a decent talent. I would have thought having the two would be an ideal solution to an area that Arsenal have had problems with since the poney tailed one retired. I can see why Given would not want to go there though as he would face more competition with the emerging Czesny.

  • James says:

    Some people are clueless. Given would have been a perfect signing for Arsenal yet some Arsenal fans genuinely believe they don’t need a top class keeper because they are ok in that position. Flapihandski is not top class and Czesny is still raw at this time but looks a prospect. Enjoy winning nothing again next year and I anticipate more crucial goalkeeping errors and people wondering why Given was not signed.

  • James says:

    Also Given is not passed it either. How old was Van Der Sar when Man U signed him? I think it was 35 also and they got 5 years out of him whilst winning trophies. You remember what trophies are Arsenal fans?

    • Ricky Murray says:

      Totally agree with everything you’ve said there James. That’s what I was saying in the article concerning keepers in their mid 30’s. I somehow forgot to mention Van der Sar in connection with that. Bit of a fail on my part.

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