Mannone stays in Gunners' goal

Vito Mannone once again retained his place in the Arsenal goal for tonight’s Champions League Group H clash against AZ Alkmaar at the DS Stadium.

Manuel Almunia, fit again following a chest infection, was on the bench.

With England forward Theo Walcott and Czech winger Tomas Rosicky both sidelined by knee injuries, Emmanuel Eboue was pressed further forwards in support of Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie.

AZ, managed by Dutch legend Ronald Koeman, had former Tottenham striker Mounir El Hamdaoui in attack as they looked for a first Champions League victory to move off the bottom of Group H.