Almunia Shines

Manuel Almunia doesn’t get to start many games for Arsenal, but his inclusion in the 3rd round F.A. Cup tie at a packed Anfield was a measure of Arsene Wenger’s trust in the 29 year old keeper and he didn’t let his manager or his team mates down.

Despite the fact that Liverpool enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages and came back strongly in the second half after Arsenal had surged ahead with two sparkling goals from Tomas Rosicky, Almunia played a major part in a strong defensive performance which kept the home side to a single goal. His positioning and handling, particularly at crosses, stood out and he proved a more than able deputy to Jens Lehmann.