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Reflecting on Alex’s impact, it becomes increasingly clear just how remarkable his contribution was. At the time he and several new players joined the team, I was sidelined due to injury, which meant I wasn’t sharing the pitch with them initially. However, I observed their dedication from a different vantage point. After breaking my shoulder playing for England, I spent the summer working on rehabilitation in the gym. Often, I’d find myself alone in the weights room, but Alex and Emmanuel would come in to train, and I remember thinking how seriously they approached their preparation. That first impression of Alex’s commitment stayed with me.
What truly distinguished Alex, though, was his performance once he stepped into the first team. When David Seaman injured his shoulder in January, Alex was called up. It’s worth noting he was only a 20-year-old Austrian who had just arrived in the Premier League, having featured in just a couple of League Cup games before Christmas. Despite that, he brought an almost undeniable aura to the role. At the time, Manchester United were leading the Premier League, and many expected their prospects to improve with Seaman out. However, Alex’s presence meant that was far from the case.
Few players could have matched what Alex achieved during Seaman’s absence. Not only was Arsenal chasing the title during a critical stage of the season, but Alex was also stepping into the shoes of one of the world’s finest goalkeepers. Yet, he handled the pressure with remarkable calmness. Over his first six league games, he kept a clean sheet in each and helped deliver five wins, including a vital 1-0 win at Old Trafford—a ground where Arsenal had never scored or won in the Premier League era before. This victory brought the title race firmly into Arsenal’s hands, narrowing the gap and leveraging games in hand. The significance of that moment becomes even more poignant with Arsenal again facing a crucial Manchester fixture for the title.
Besides his league heroics, Alex played an important role in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph, contributing in five matches during the run, including an unforgettable night at Upton Park. Despite being a man down early on after Dennis Bergkamp’s red card, the team fought back hard, with Nicolas Anelka scoring before half-time and John Hartson equalizing late in the game. The tie eventually went to penalties, where Alex’s save against Eyal Berkovic helped secure progression. Over 16 appearances that season, 13 of which were consecutive while substituting for Seaman, the team suffered only one loss. His calm confidence and ability to respond immediately with crucial saves made a lasting impression, and though Seaman resumed his position once fit, many believed Alex’s performances merited more recognition.
At the time, Alex narrowly missed collecting a Premier League winner’s medal due to a minimum appearance rule, having made only seven appearances instead of ten. Nevertheless, the club and fans recognized his impact, celebrating him with a chant to the tune of “Three Blind Mice.” Initially shy, Alex quickly became an integral part of the squad’s camaraderie, bonding with teammates off the pitch by joining in activities like PlayStation sessions. His competitive spirit was evident in training and matches, and although he could be his harshest critic after mistakes, his determination was admired by senior players. Off the field, his personality was engaging and calm, contrasting with his fierce on-pitch demeanor.
Although many years passed after Alex left Arsenal in 2002, the memories of shared successes remain vivid. Winning the league and FA Cup in 1997-98 marked my first taste of real success, and Alex was central to that achievement. The bond formed through such moments is enduring. Reuniting with former teammates often feels effortless, but the recent loss of Alex, alongside others such as Kevin Campbell and Jose Antonio Reyes, underscores life’s fragility. The tributes pouring in after his passing affirm that his character and presence impacted far beyond his playing days. Through this tribute, I want to ensure Alex receives the acknowledgment he deserves — as one of Arsenal’s greatest unsung heroes, both on and off the pitch. He will be deeply missed.
Martin Keown shared these reflections with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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