ARSENAL face Manchester City in a huge top-of-the-table clash this afternoon.
The Gunners are paying tribute to their former goalkeeper by wearing black armbands during the crunch .
Arsenal players are wearing black armbands this afternoon Credit: Getty
Why are Arsenal players wearing black armbands vs Man City?
Players are wearing black armbands in memory of ex-Arsenal goalkeeper , who tragically died in a road accident aged 48 on Thursday.
‘s car was hit by a train at an unguarded level crossing in Nussdorf am Haunsberg, Austria, according to local police.
Manninger (R) won the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Emergency services were quickly on the scene but were unable to revive him.
Manninger was alone in his car while the train involved in the collision was carrying around 25 passengers, who were all uninjured.
The Austrian played 64 times for between 1997 and 2002, winning the and .
During his time in North London, he was largely back-up to former England stopper .
Manninger played a vital role in the 1997-98 double-winning season, stepping in for the injured Seaman at crucial times towards the end of the campaign.
He kept six consecutive Prem clean sheets to help hold off the charging Manchester United, excelled in a 1-0 win over the Red Devils at , and starred in an sixth round shootout win against .
Following Manninger’s tragic passing, Arsenal released the following statement: “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.
“All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.”
After several spells across Europe, Manninger returned to England in 2016 to join Liverpool at the age of 39.
The Austrian signed a short-term deal with the Reds but did not make an appearance for the club.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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