Manuel Almunia

Name Manuel Almunia
Born May 19, 1977
Pamplona
Spain
Position Goalkeeper
Squad Number 1
Previous Club(s) Osasuna B
Cartagonova
Sabadell
Celta Vigo
Eibar (loan)
Recreativo Huelva (loan)
Albacete (loan)
Joined Arsenal July 14, 2004
Arsenal Debut Manchester City (a)
Carling Cup 3rd Round
October 27, 2004,
Won 2-1





1. Manuel Almunia


Manuel staked his claim for the No 1 jersey with some fine displays as Arsenal’s ‘Cup keeper’ last season.

Although deputy to Jens Lehmann in the Premiership, the Spaniard performed heroics during the Club's run to the Final of the Carling Cup and Fifth Round of the FA Cup. His best performances came in the Carling Cup in which he kept clean sheets against West Bromwich Albion and Everton. In the Final he made a fine first-half save to deny Chelsea’s Didier Drogba but was powerless to prevent two strikes from the Ivorian after the break.

Manuel, who is renowned for his shot-stopping ability, also starred in Arsenal’s 3-0 Premiership win over Liverpool after Lehmann was struck down by illness prior to kick off.

In total Manuel made 14 first-team appearances last term, taking his tally since joining the Club to 43.
                                                                           


                                   My Year

April

Injury to Manuel meant that after the ‘Liverpool trilogy’ at the start of the month, he did not feature again in April. The Spanish stopper had, in the games against the Merseysiders, produced a string of fine saves to do his international ambitions no hard at all.

March

Arsenal’s No 1, well No 24, didn’t miss a minute of action in March. He continued to be a solid foundation at the back, keeping two clean sheets and making a vital stop when Bolton led 2-0 at the Reebok before Arsenal’s comeback.

February

Manuel returned to the side for the final game of the month after an extended spell on the sidelines. Injury and illness prevented him appearing until the 2-2 draw at Birmingham.

January

Another solid month for the Gunners No 1. Manuel conceded just once in January, in the draw with Birmingham, pulling off a string of fine saves and earning plaudits in the press.

December

Saving a penalty in the North London derby was certainly the highlight of Manuel’s month. The Spaniard continued his impressive form, conceding just five times.

November

Firmly the No 1 stopper at the Club now, Manuel didn't miss a minute of football in November and improved his prospects of an international call-up with some solid displays.

October

Manuel looks set to retain his place between the sticks for a while after another impressive month. The Spaniard made several key saves in October and conceded just twice in five games. It could have been more but vital stops from Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch against Liverpool coupled with two excellent saves against Slavia Prague enhanced his reputation.