Szczesny: Give the strikers credit for goal glut
Published 22:56 05/11/11 By Steve Stammers
Wojciech Szczesny has his own theory about the glut of goals in the Premier League this season: Give the credit to the strikers.
The Arsenal No.1 was in goal for the 8-2 hammering by Manchester United and last Sunday’s sensational 5-3 win at Chelsea. He also saw Manchester City’s astonishing 6-1 win at Old Trafford.
But while fingers are being pointed at the men at the back, Szczesny declared: “The reason is the quality of players at the top teams at the moment.
“We have Robin van Persie, Manchester City have Sergio Aguero and David Silva, and Manchester United have their front men as well.
“It is the quality of the attacking players that has been important. You look at the number of goals that are flying in and that shows how good the players are in the Premier League at the moment. It is as good as ever.”
Szczesny has been key to Arsenal’s revival since the debacle at Old Trafford. His first job was to forget that result. He smiled: “What eight goals? I don’t remember when I conceded eight goals. I don’t know what you are talking about!”
Szczesny added: “It is about the spirit within the team. But have we turned the corner? We still have a point to prove I think.”
Szczesny may still suffer the occasional blip – “I didn’t play well at Chelsea” – but even his relative youth doesn’t mean he is intimidated when it comes to bossing his defenders.
The 21-year-old said: “It doesn’t matter to me if the defenders are older or more experienced. My job is to get them organised. Their job is to listen.”
And he made a point of analysing the performances of under-fire Germany star Per Mertesacker.
Szczesny said: “Per has been very good. You don’t pay £10million for a centre-back who is no good.
“Everyone needs time to adjust to English football and Per is an experienced player. He’s looked very good and is getting better and better.”
