Arsenal Favourite: This is the “most consistent run of my career”

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is hoping to make the number one shirt his own at the club after a fantastic start to the season.

The Polish stopper also feels that being dropped last season was a blessing in disguise. Szczesny, who has kept 11 clean sheets already this season, felt being dropped against Bayern Munich last season was a turning point in his career.

“It is hard to tell because I don’t know what it would have been like if I wasn’t dropped, but looking at my own performances now it must have been a good decision from the manager because I feel better, I feel sharper and more confident in myself,” Szczesny told the Arsenal magazine.

“That little break away from the pressure meant that I could focus on my training to come back sharper, and so far it has worked out pretty well.

“I think I am very consistent now, I am a little bit more mature and the back four are helping me out as well, so I would say it is the most consistent run of my career – but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

“The experience I have had of playing 130-odd games for one of the biggest clubs in the world gives you that maturity and calmness.

“It probably makes a big difference in my performances as well. Maybe it comes with maturity but I do feel more focused during games.”