Alex Manninger: Arsenal's Unsung Hero

0:00On April 17th, Martin Keon just dropped a heartfelt tribute to Alex Manninger, the Austrian goalkeeper who joined Arsenal in the summer of 19. 97 at just 20 years old. Alex stepped up big time that season, covering for injured David Seaman during our scene wingers first full year. He kept clean sheets in his first six league games, winning five, including Arsenal's first ever Premier League victory at Old Trafford against Manchester United. That 1997-98 campaign saw a bunch of new signings arrive, mixing stars like Mark Overmars and Immanuel Petit with fresh faces. Alex stood out right away in the gym, showing serious drive even as a kid new to the league. His run helped Arsenal reel in United and clinched the double Premier League title, NFA Cup, without missing a beat, playing 13 straight games, and only losing once. Keon recalls Alex's aura on the pitch, fears competitor who earned player of the month from March, and even got a special Premier League winners medal.

1:02Despite just seven appearances, fans loved him, chanting a fun song to the tune of Three Blind Mice. All field he was shy at first, but became a fun, calm guy who bonded with teammates over PlayStation in hotel rooms. The Arsenal family is reeling from Alex's sudden passing at a young age, with Keon still feeling that bear hug energy from old footage. Tributes highlight his lasting charisma, and it's hitting hard alongside recent losses, like Kevin Campbell and Jose Antonio Reyes. Alex remains one of Arsenal's greatest unsung heroes, a reminder to cherish those bonds from the glory days before life pulls us apart.