Arguably, Arsenal have lacked a truly top-class goalkeeper since David Seamans departure in 2003. While Jens Lehmann was a capable shot-stopper, he was as erratic as he was barmy, and the less siad about the likes of Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski the better. Had Arsene Wenger tied down the promising 19 year old Joe Hart while he was an up-and-coming shot-stopper at Shrewsbury Town in 2006, he might have been saved years of grief in trying to remedy the situation between the posts. Having sent the goalkeeping coach down to the club to watch the teenager, the scout declared that he wasnt good enough for the Gunners. Hart subsequently signed for Manchester City, and following loan spells at Tranmere Rovers, Blackpool and Birmingham City, established himself as number one for club and country. A true testament of Harts class and resilience is that he is the only survivor in the City squad from pre-Abu Dhabi dynasty. He has since won two league titles, two domestic trophies and a Community Shield, while Wenger has had to put up with frustrated supporters muttering nine barren years underneath their breaths.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
