Mannone looking to prove a point on Sunday

Vito Mannone is a prime example of how hard work, determination and a little bit of luck can completely change your career at Arsenal.

Mannone joined Championship side Hull City after enduring a torrid time in his brief Arsenal appearance last season, making mistakes in the Champions League against Olympiakos that threatened to bring an end to his Gunners’ career.

However, injuries to Wojciech Szczesny and the club’s usual back-up goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski, have meant that manager Arsene Wenger has turned to the Italian.

And Mannone has rewarded Wenger’s faith with a series of fine performances, the latest coming against Montpellier in the Champions League on Tuesday, while also keeping two clean sheets so far this season.

“It went well [against Montpellier] so I am really focused on gaining the No 1 spot and keeping it. The boss had some nice words for me and he talked to me and said I am ready to be No 1”, revealed the 24-year-old.

“So I just need to show him what I’m doing and hopefully I can get that spot and do my best to help this team win some trophies.”

Wenger’s side play Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a Premier League clash which is likely to test Arsenal’s title credentials ahead of a difficult set of October fixtures.

With Szczesny missing out against City, Mannone will be out to prove a point to Wenger and continue his impressive run as Arsenal’s potential new no.1 ‘keeper.