The Spaniard was first promoted to number one in December 2005 after Lehmann had come in for much criticism. But Almunia failed to impress, often looking suspect on crosses and failing to command his area.
The start of the 2007/08 season gave him another chance after a run of injuries for the veteran Lehmann, and Almunia made the #1 spot his own with a series of impressive performances.
With the highlight being a penalty save against Robbie Keane in December, Almunia proved himself capable of taking over the gloves from Lehmann and Arsene Wenger has said he will wear the #1 jersey for the new season with youngster Lukasz Fabianski behind him.
He started his career with Osasuna B, the Pamplona-born star then moved to Cartagonova for 1999/2000, but after failing to break into the first team he was signed by Sabadell in the summer of 2000.
Almunia enjoyed first team football in 2000/01, and earned a move to Celta Vigo - who loaned him out each season.
First of all he joined Eibar, where he impressed, before switching to Recreativo Huelva for 2002/03 and then Albacete for 2003/04. At Albacete he enjoyed a fine season as the club avoided relegation.
He began the season as second choice to Carlos Roa, but an injury to the experienced Argentine propelled him into the first team and he played a large role in helping them retain their status in the top flight.
His performances alerted Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who signed him on a long-term contract.
Almunia joined the Gunners in July 2004 for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £500,000.
He made his debut against Manchester City in the Carling Cup.
But he came a cropper in the quarter-final clash at Manchester United, gifting the Red Devils a 19-second opener when failing to deal with a regulation save from a David Bellion shot.
Another error in the Champions League clash with Rosenborg seemed to signal the end of his run in goal, but Wenger kept the faith and his performances improved.
Lehmann did win his place back though, and Almunia returned to being a benchwarmer, although he showed a propensity for penalty heroics when given the chance.
First against Sheffield United in the 2004/05 FA Cup, where Almunia made two saves in a penalty shootout after the game finished 0-0, to take the Gunners through to the quarter-finals. And then again in the League Cup against Doncaster in 2005/06.
Almunia came on in the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona after Lehmann had been sent off, but was unable to stop a Barca comeback in Paris.
He got an extended run in the first team at the start of the 2007/08 season due to Lehmann making two high profile mistakes and has never looked back. Playing well, his performances angered Lehmann who publicly showed his anger at not getting his place back in the side.
With Lehmann's depature in the summer of 2008, Almunia has the #1 jersey all to himself.
No comments:
Post a Comment