• Premier League

Wenger wants Fabianski to step up

ESPN staff
September 27, 2010
Lukasz Fabianski was found wanting against Blackburn last season, but has another chance in the spotlight © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger has challenged keeper Lukasz Fabianski to seize his chance to become Arsenal's No. 1.

An injury to Manuel Almunia has handed Fabianski the chance to shine when Arsenal travel to Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Gunners are looking to bounce from their shock defeat to West Brom at the weekend, but it will be a test of nerve as Partizan are in good form and will be backed by a vociferous crowd.

Wenger is aware of the challenges facing his side and believes Fabianski has the qualities to succeed at the highest level - but has called on the Pole to prove it.

"For Fabianski, it is another big chance - but you want a goalkeeper or any player to grab the chance when you get it," Wenger said. "As a manager you can give a chance to a player who is good enough and I believe in his talent.

"He gets another opportunity to show how good he is. I want him to show how good he is. There is only one way to show confidence in a player and that is to put him on the pitch and give him his chance."

Reflecting on the surprise defeat to West Brom, Wenger said: "The disappointment was very deep, but we can learn from what has happened to us. We realise that we need to be focused in every single game, produce performances in every single game and that is what I believe we have learnt from Saturday."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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