By Tim Keeble, football Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network)-Arsenal last won the Premier League title in 2004, when the famous "Invincible" sailed the whole season without a defeat.
But since that time Chelsea and Manchester United were the League title and back and forth, with chance only real arsenal coming in 2008, when the Gunners ended four points off the pace.
One of the reasons for the disparity between Arsenal and her two main rivals is money, with the Blues Roman Abramovich pumping millions into your team on an annual basis, while United continues to connect along one of the richest clubs in the world.
However, there may be another common thread between Chelsea and United success-goalkeeping.
Chelsea prospered with Petr Cech in goal, while implementation of three successive Championships United, 2007-09 came after goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar arrived at Old Trafford.
Arsenal, however, had a reliable man between the posts in the early 1990s with David Seaman, who was then succeeded by Germany international Jens Lehmann.
Until arsenal can get a man more stable on meta, their League title drought not going to end anytime soon.
First season of Lehmann as the number one goalkeeper came during the historic season 2003-04, but since he gave way to the goal, current starter Manuel Almunia, Arsenal fans have had to endure more than its share of horrific errors.
The Arsenal is a team that has the kind of talent needed to compete with the best teams of Europe, but when it comes to goalkeeping, Almunia leaves much to be desired and until Arsenal can get a man more stable on meta, their League title drought not going to end anytime soon.
Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger enjoyed a good summer transfer window, by all accounts, adding striker Marouane Chamakh, as well as defenders Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci.
Adding Chamakh was very necessary taking into account the constant injury issues around star striker Robin van Persie, while striker Eduardo, another subject to injuries, was allowed to leave.
Chamakh provides a superior physical presence and gives the Club good depth, while Koscielny and Squillaci were needed to prop up a line back sometimes shaky.
Wenger also was capable of handling a heavy load of Barcelona for the captain Cesc Fabregas, who played in Spanish as a young Club before joining the Gunners.
But the glaring omission on a shopping spree for Summer Wenger was a young man between the posts.
It was found that Wenger would man in August as he pursued Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer, a veteran of 37 years of age who was potentially available with Cottagers giving 25-year-old upstart David Stockdale a look.
Schwarzer spoke openly its desire to join Arsenal, but after a few failed proposals, including one that exceeded $ 6 million, Almunia remained number one arsenal.
To be fair, the Spaniard is capable of doing the saving spectacular, but it all often gives away cheap goals in crucial moments that his team important cost points.
Saturday impressive 3-2 defeat at home against West Bromwich was yet another example and you have to wonder how much more Wenger can look in horror as his netminder fumbles cheap goals.
Arsenal certainly wasn't at his best on the day, and after Almunia donated a penalty kick to stumble a player West Brom, redeemed himself by saving the spot kick.
However, the bags went ahead early in the second half and doubled the advantage two minutes later in a terrible error Almunia as he allowed a tame effort of Gonzalo Jara to dribble out her leg.
To make matters worse, he was partially guilty again in the third goal of West Brom as he went out of his line to challenge a ball, but then stopped, allowing the ball to be transposed to the front of the goal for a tap-in easy.
Arsenal went up with two late goals to make it interesting, but not many teams have the ability to meet these kinds of goalkeeping errors.
Wenger refused to put the blame on Almunia after departure, although he must be wondering how it would be nice to have a reliable man in goal, taking into account as well Schwarzer played in 0-0 tie against Everton for Fulham FC on Saturday.
The head almost must continue their quest in January when you open the window backup, transfer and although Schwarzer would probably be above your wish list, it is not certain that the entry will flick with both sides already failed to agree to a deal in August.
That could force Wenger to look elsewhere, with the Manchester City Shay Given and (according to reports) Craig Gordon of Sunderland being mentioned as possible targets.
The 34-year-old given was beaten in preseason for England international Joe Hart, which looks set to maintain the Top spot.
Roberto Mancini Manager already once said that he would be allowed to leave, but you have to know how eager city would help Arsenal with your goalkeeping situation, considering the fact that both teams will be jockeying for points in the first four.
Gordon would also be an option, although it is debatable how much of an upgrade it would be about Almunia, considering the fact that he is struggling for playing time behind 22-year-old Simon Mignolet for first place in Sunderland.
Wenger has assembled a team that is able to bring back the glory days at Arsenal, but unless he discusses his goalkeeping situation quickly, the days of "Invincible" will remain a distant memory.
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