Arsene backs Flappy Handski

Posted Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by The Sun

ARSENE WENGER has told Arsenal blunder keeper No 2 Lukasz Fabianski to finally prove himself at Partizan Belgrade tonight.

Arsene backs Flappy Handski Fabianski, known by fans as Flappy Handski, starts this Champions League clash due to an elbow injury Manuel Almunia picked up during his shocking display in Saturday's 3-2 home loss to West Brom.

Gunners supporters will not be filled with confidence based on his last outing in Europe when his two howlers meant his side lost 2-1 away to Porto in February.

He also made cock-ups in the Premier League defeat to Wigan last term, and his only appearance this season - in the Carling Cup win over Spurs last week.

But Wenger, who will make other changes for tonight's game, insisted: "Fabianski is ready. I don't have any concerns.

"Fabianski made mistakes at Porto but he can show he has learned from that."

Wenger admitted that Almunia injured his elbow while bringing down Peter Odemwingie to concede a first-half penalty to the Baggies.

Although Almunia made the save, he then had two bad errors in the second period.

Almunia insisted he was fit at half-time and Wenger allowed him to continue, only for the Spaniard to play a big part in two goals.

An injury to Almunia may appear a timely coincidence but insiders suggest that not only was he hurt, but it was clear he should not have continued in the second half.

Wenger said: "We checked him at half-time and he had some pain but he said he could go on. I decided to play him on."

Arsenal remain badly hit with injuries and Kieran Gibbs is the only player able to return to the squad.

With Cesc Fabregas crocked and Almunia out, Tomas Rosicky is set to take the captaincy.

Wenger insists this team are not short of leaders, although those at the Emirates three days ago would disagree.

And bizarrely, the Arsenal manager claimed he was pleased with some aspects of the West Brom match because his team... ran around a lot.

He said: "When you watch a video, it is always better than the feeling straight after losing. Physically, it was actually tremendous.

"What we did physically, it was one of the highest performances this season. The distance we ran, the sprints we made, were the highest of the season so there was no lack of effort. We were not sharp, maybe, but the quantity of work was there.

"You cannot fault the willingness of the players. Just for the lack of concentration and defensive mistakes.

"I'll tell the players to keep believing in themselves.

"It is the first match we lost this season so it is not a catastrophe. It is an experience, not a disaster."

Arsenal return to this city for the first time since 1978-79 when they lost to Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Cup.

Partizan are playing in the Champions League for the first time in seven years. They lost their first group match at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Meanwhile, Wenger reckons Fabregas could be fit for Sunday's clash with Chelsea.

He said: "Cesc started to run so we will see his reaction. We will monitor his progress during the week but there is a little hope that he could be available."