Battle still on as Almunia wants spot for keeps

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Bar the injured Robin van Persie, probably for Emmanuel Eboue, there you have it. Wenger's A-team. But the Arsenal manager has yet to fully settle on his No1 keeper.

Fighting chance: Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia

The much-improved Spaniard Manuel Almunia is keeping out battle-hardened German Jens Lehmann. It is a fascinating sub-plot to the main drama of Arsenal's season and is a battle that is likely to end in heartache and a first-class ticket out of Emirates Stadium for the loser.

Since Lehmann's two horrendous August blunders against Fulham and Blackburn, Almunia has worn the No1 jersey in Arsenal's last 15 Premier League and Champions League games, conceding eight goals.

Yet the jury is still out on the Spaniard. He was widely criticised for prematurely rushing out of his goal a couple of times in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United, and a question mark hangs over his decision-making.

As Lehmann has been only too keen to remind him, Almunia has yet to win a truly big game for the club.

The Spaniard was solid enough against Reading last night, although harsher observers may say he flapped at the header that led to Nicky Shorey's consolation goal.

Will one big cock-up from Almunia force Wenger to jump back into Lehmann's arms?

The Eccentric One would love nothing more than to shove a big custard pie into the faces of his critics but if Almunia is still stood between the posts on New Year's Day, it will be auf wiedersehen, Jens.