Gunner: Dream to play at Anfield

Mannone excited to feature away to the Reds

By Zain Alvi | 31st August 2012

Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone is prepared to deputize for the injured Wojciech Szczesny in Sunday afternoon’s visit to Liverpool and has stated that it has been his dream to play at Anfield.

Mannone kept a clean sheet when he stood in for Szczesny at Stoke last weekend and although he admits that the Reds’ attack poses a more dynamic threat, the Italian is excited to cope with the challenge.

“Liverpool will be more technical and play the ball on the floor more than Stoke. You need to adapt to any team in this league. We need to keep to our game plan, pass the ball a bit quicker and create more chances,” Mannone told Arsenal.com.

He added: “It is a dream of any kid to play at [Anfield]. I went a few years ago to watch a game, just to see the stadium. It will be fun if I have the chance because I would love to play in that ground, feel the atmosphere and hopefully get a win.”

Mannone’s teammate Carl Jenkinson is equally excited to feature at Anfield and stated: “Anfield is always a great place to play football, we’re all looking forward to it and we’re going for the three points. I was only on the bench last year, but the atmosphere and the stadium itself make it a special place.”

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have yet to win in the Premier League and will be looking at Sunday’s match as a golden opportunity to get ahead of a direct rival.