He's been cracking hasn't he? What do the facts say? Well he's kept 5 clean sheets, a league average. He makes an average of 4.15 saves a game, only bettered by David Marshall (4.19 saves). He concedes a very credible average 1.12 goals a game (only 3 keepers average less than 1 a game). His saves per goal conceded is the best in the entire league at 3.71. It's also worth noting that he hasn't conceded a single goal by his own error. Some impressive stats. http://www.bsports.com/statsinsights/football/arsenal-cardiff-sunderland-keepers-premier-league?
I have said recently I can see him improving game on game. I still like Westy but Mannone is going to be hard to shift if he keeps his form going. He also doesn't flap like Ming used too.
Agreed. He's also like an extra outfield player when playing the ball out from the back. The sort of keeper you expect to find making individual errors but so far so good. I enjoy watching him.
Aye, got to be said he has done very well so far. Didn't know sod all about him when we first signed him but he has proven so far to be a damn good keeper. We seem to have a knack mind for finding good keepers, shame we couldn't just field 11 keepers every game we'd win the league for sure!
We give them plenty of practise I prefer him over Westy to be honest. He has been solid and I just hope that hasn't cursed him.
He's head and shoulders above Westwood who cost us half a dozen soft goals early in the season. Apart from Saturday Vito's distribution, especially his throwing has been quality and its helps Gus' style of play
I feel very sorry for Westwood. He looked a cracking keeper when Mignolet took over in goal when he was Ill and Mignolet couldn't be dropped. Again he was getting a chance at Sunderland and he picked up a minor knock - Mannone came in and made himself undroppable. I was someone, in the close season, who said this signing was a mistake - Humble pie actually tastes nice when your opinions about someone work against you like this. He's been excellent this season. Mignolet has looked dodgy in the last month or 2 as well so we maybe did the right thing cashing in!! He's also ****ing huge!! I walked past him on the way to the club shop before the Chelsea cup game - He's a mountain of a bloke!!
This. Was very worried with all of our goals we were leaking at start of season. Westwood didnt look confident at all. May have been differnet if had O'Shea/Brown in front of him mind.
To be fair though that was Poyet getting it wrong and no baring at all one the keeper imo. We sat too deep, there's no way it's safe to distribute the ball short into crowds of opposing players who are being invited to push up. He must have felt like he was back at Hull with all that punting.