On what proved to be an exciting transfer deadline day for Arsenal fans, the Gunners managed to secure the services of Italian international goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano.
Much has been said about the player since and though I can’t claim to be an expert on the 27-year-old, it does look like a good addition to the Gunners squad.
For a start, he’s experienced. Whilst his last club was Serie B side Palermo, he spent last season on loan at Fiorentina, where he impressed. He managed to keep 11 clean sheets in 32 Serie A appearances and showed off his impressive reflexes and shot-saving ability.
He also demonstrated a quality that doesn’t usually belong to Arsenal goalkeepers – he commands his area well, makes good decisions and commands the back-four with some vigour (I’m not sure at this stage, whether the language barrier will prevent him doing this at the Emirates).
These qualities certainly don’t belong to Arsenal’s current number one, Wojciech Szczesny, but we’ll get to him in a second.
Viviano, has six caps at International level, where he faces competition from no less than Gianluigi Buffon. Arsene Wenger was effervescent with his praise:
“Viviano is a player that we have rated for some time and we are very pleased to have signed him on loan. He’s experienced and has proved himself at a high level, and provides us with excellent cover to our existing goalkeepers.” (Source: Arsenal.com)
It’s interesting to see that Arsene Wenger was at pains to note that he would provide ‘cover’. It doesn’t look like he’s Arsenal’s new number one – not yet anyway.
This is a good thing. Over the last three games, we’ve seen Wojceich Szczesny at the height of his ability. Yes, his opening day performance against Aston Villa was shocking, but since that moment he’s been in sparkling form.
Yes, his decision making can be poor, but he’s also one of the best young shot-stoppers in the game. He’s so quick across his area, reacts with agility and protects the angles well. He’s also extremely brave and isn’t afraid to take a hit in order to stop an opponent scoring.
Add to this his personality and his clear desire to make it at the Emirates and it’s easy to see why he’s a fan favourite. Viviano may only just have arrived at the Emirates, but it’s my hope that we only see him during Cup games and when Szczesny is injured.
It’s upto the Polish keeper to prove that he’s got what it takes.
What’s your opinion? Who would you like to see as Arsenal’s number one this year?
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who else if nob him (WS) coz his d bst 4 nw aftal we nono hw gud dat guy is though i trst hm 2 compit