Arsene Wenger has given teenage goalkeeper Vito Mannone a “10 out of 10” for an inspired display which helped Arsenal record a hard-fought 1-0 win at Fulham.
The 21-year-old Italian has been standing in for regular stopper Manuel Almunia, currently laid low by a virus.
Mannone repaid his manager’s faith by producing a string of superb displays through Saturday evening’s Barclays Premier League clash at Craven Cottage, which was settled by a well-taken strike from Robin van Persie after 52 minutes.
Wenger later told reporters that he would give Mannone 10 out of 10 because he did everything right and that is what that is most important for a goalkeeper.
Wenger also said that Mannone stopped everything that he had to stop and did not make any wrong decision. Wenger added that overall Mannone has shown that he has the potential to be a very good goalkeeper.
Wenger also said that sometimes goalkeepers look unbeatable, and on Saturday Mannone looked like he could make every save.
Wenger ended by saying that Mannone has played a fantastic game for Arsenal and until the next game, he will be the number one choice.