Schwarzer Not Coming and We're Going to Try and Win the Title with a Keeper Who Knows He's Not Wanted.

I knew it. I knew it as soon as I read that Given was staying at Manchester City (to vie for starting position during the Carling Cup?). And with their backup goalie injured, I knew there was no way Fulham would let their Number One come to Arsenal. Not even with his transfer request and a reported last ditch 4 million pound offer. Well, at least Mark gets to play in the Europa League. Small consolation to him, to us...and to Almunia.

Let's talk about Manuel. Manuel now is our Number One. We have a Number One who knows he's not what we wanted. He knows that he was second (third, fourth?) choice. How's that for a confidence booster? A few weeks ago when Almunia stated he was feeling unsettled with all the transfer rumors regarding Mark (I refuse to type his last name anymore), Wenger remarked that he could understand Almunia feeling that way but, essentially, he would have to deal with it as Arsenal was a big club under immense scrutiny and rumor at all times. Well, he dealt with it by having a solid game against the Walrus. And then,reportedly, he promptly threw his Captain's armband into the stands following the win. In other words, he did not expect to be the starting goalie for the season. He may have even thought he would be transferring elsewhere. And what about January? Almunia knows there is another transfer window opening up in a little over three months. Will he be able to play his best wondering if his position is up for grabs come winter? Lots of questions folks, and no answers from this disappointed Yank. I will say that I might find myself pulling for the Spaniard more than previously just for the sheer unwinnable position that he is in. Maybe it's not unwinnable. Maybe Manuel will respond by kicking "arse" in his position. Maybe he'll organize the back four like no one before him. Maybe he'll have the gumption to show Wenger and all of us how wrong we were to count him out. Maybe. But if you're asking me to lay money on That Maybe? I'm feeling a bit stingy at the moment. I hope Almunia feels that way when it comes to letting goals in this season. Keep your heads up Gooners.

P.S.(Before I forget, Traore went to Juventus on loan and Nacer Barazite did the same in the Eredivisie for Vitesse Arnhem. Good luck to both of them). Sigh.