Four areas Wojciech Szczesny outguns David Marshall

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Arsenal are being linked with a move for Cardiff City goalkeeper David Marshall.

Arsenal are being linked with a £15 million deal to sign David Marshall from Cardiff City, with Lukasz Fabianski set to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Marshall is reportedly being viewed as Fabianski’s replacement, which suggests that Arsene Wenger wants the shot stopper to start the season behind Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order at the club.

However, Marshall was competitive against both goalkeepers in several areas last season, which suggest that if Arsenal make a move for him, he should be competitive in terms of being the number one at the club, although Szczesny has the edge on him in four out of five sections we’ve reviewed.

Saves

Marshall made a significantly higher number of saves last season than either of Arsenal’s goalkeepers. It can be explained through the fact he had more work to do with a leakier defence than is the case with the North London club.

Punches

Interestingly, one area Szczesny is dramatically in front of Marshall is punches. It suggests that the Pole was more willing to come out of goal and take the pressure off of his defence. Should Marshall sign for Arsenal, it’s an area opposition sides could put him under pressure.

High Claims

That’s further demonstrated by the fact Szczesny made more successful high claims last season, again showing a willingness to take care of the danger before it developed into something more serious.

Accurate Goal Kicks

Szczesny is also ahead in terms of accurate goal kicks, which is surprising considering so much of Arsenal’s build up play starts with the defence. When the Pole needed to send the ball long, he was successful in doing so.

Penalties Saved

Szczesny also saved a penalty last season, whereas Marshall was unsuccessful in terms of stopping any spot kicks from the 12-yard mark.