BIRMINGHAM (DF) -- On a day where Arsenal had hoped to celebrate the return of Jens Lehmann by going level on points with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, it was Anglo-Spanish keeper Manuel Almunia who stole the next morning's headlines during the 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns with a world-class demonstration of bush-league goalkeeping.
Newly-restored number one Almunia, starting in goal due to long term injuries to accident-prone Polish duo Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny, was at fault for both West Brom goals, staying on his line to give Steven Reid a free header two minutes in, and later tripping over Sebastien Squillaci to gift a goal to Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie.
"I don't know why, but Arsene now seems to prefer eccentric keepers," said former Arsenal and England goalkeeping legend David Seaman in a television interview after the match. "Maybe they enjoy mirroring their manager's personality, maybe they just get bored with their side having so much possession, I don't know, but they all seem to have a screw loose."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been roundly criticized by supporters for his refusal to sign an experienced replacement for stalwart Lehmann, who left the club after the 2008 season. Seaman believes Wenger's stubborn belief in his own innate ability to develop talent has left the club without a leader at the back.
"When I left the club 2003, Arsene made a smart move by bringing in Jens Lehmann. He was a rock and provided the experience in goal that the team needed. When he left, his backup Almunia was thrust into the spotlight and he wasn't capable. When Almunia failed, young Fabianski came in and did the same, and, obviously, Szczesny played his part at Wembley last month. Now we're back to Almunia. I really think he wants to be a backup again."
Seaman held nothing back when describing the state of his former club. "They attack like men and defend like schoolgirls. This inept defending, starting in goal, has cost us the League Cup, a shot at the Champions League, and now it might cost us the Premier League."
"I'm glad Arsene brought Jens back. He might be old, German, and a little off his head, but you won't see him doing stuff like what Almunia, Fabianski, and Szczesny did without getting away with it."
