Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone admits he is 'very pleased' to have retained his place following the return to fitness of Manuel Almunia. Mannone has started seven of the Gunners' last eight games after being thrust into the team while Almunia was laid low with a virus and Lukasz Fabianski was sidelined by a knee injury.
Regular No.1 Almunia is now fit again, but the Spaniard has had to settle for a place on the bench for the last two matches against Birmingham City and AZ Alkmaar after Arsene Wenger kept faith with Mannone.
The young Italian is happy to have the support of the Arsenal manager and is keen to make the most of his opportunity in the first team. I am very pleased to keep my place," Mannone told Arsenal TV Online.
"I just keep doing what I have been doing in the last few weeks and so far the boss has chosen me so I am happy. I can see he has kept faith with me. I am working hard to repay him with my performances."
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