Lukasz Fabianski - ‘ready for Chelsea clash’

Published: 1 October, 2010
by STEVE BARNETT

SUSPECT shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski insists he is the man to help Arsenal get the right result against Chelsea ahead of this weekend’s big London derby. 

The much-criticised keeper (pictured) will have his work cut out for him when it comes to winning over some Gunners’ fans, who have nicknamed him “Flappy-hand-ski” following a string of costly mistakes. 

The 25-year-old answered some of his critics on Tuesday when he saved a penalty against Partizan Belgrade to help Arsenal secure a 3-1 win in the Champions League. And with regular No 1 Manuel Almunia struggling with an elbow injury, Fabianski insists he is ready to win over more fans in Sunday’s crucial Stamford Bridge showdown. 

Following Tuesday night’s European win, Fabianski said: “Overall, I am pleased with my performance. I am not talking about just saves but reading the game and coming for crosses. Every aspect of goalkeeping is important for me. 

“I am ready to play against Chelsea. I was always ready, so we will see. I was never really bothered by all the things said. I was always trying to focus on my job and my work. 

“There was a big shock on Saturday when we lost to West Brom, but I think you could see against Partizan that we had learned some things from the defeat. The performance was much better so we are looking forward to the Chelsea game. It is going to be an exciting one to watch.”

Arsene Wenger will give Almunia every chance to prove his fitness ahead of Sunday’s clash, but could find it hard to drop Fabianski after describing the young Pole’s display on Tuesday as “faultless”. Meanwhile the Arsenal boss has said that captain Cesc Fabregas has “a little hope” of playing ­following a hamstring injury, while Thomas Vermaelen could be back in contention following an achilles injury.