Arsenal faced off against Leeds United on Sunday and managed to scrape through with a draw despite playing with 10-men for most of the second half. Bernd Leno’s impressive display was crucial in securing the solitary point and fans were quick to praise him.
The North London club began the game on a bright note as they were able to go toe to toe with Leeds. The game was pretty even until about the 50th minute or so after which Nicolas Pepe got sent off. The winger’s dismissal made it tough, but they secured the draw.
Keeping Leeds at bay was proving to be challenging especially since the Emirates club were a man down. But they were able to put in a good defensive display and keep a clean sheet. Though the defenders did well, they were backed up by a player in great form.
Leno produced some impressive saves and without him, the score line could have been different, and the visitors would have returned from Elland Road with nothing to show for. Fans made it a point to shower praise on the stopper.
Here are some of the best reactions:
Bernd Leno. What. A. Goalkeeper. 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/v2tGFQO1yD
— Bhavs (@bhavss14) November 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/afchxrsh/status/1330581590942965761
For the millionth time, I just want to say thank you @Bernd_Leno. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/gR8wPkagpI
— Evan Cooper (@Lacazest) November 22, 2020
beyond phenomenal , he’s Lenomenal, cuz he’s our number1, he’s Bernd Leno 😍
— Rudrangsh Gupta (@rudrangshgupta) November 22, 2020
MOTM today was Bernd Leno. Great saves pulled off today. Incredible 💪🏼
— Alonzo Stainbank (@alonzostainbank) November 22, 2020
After the defeat to Aston Villa, it was important that the team didn’t loose their second consecutive game on the trot. Though it is only one point, in the context of the season it could prove to be a crucial result and the German keeper had a huge hand in it.
The Gunners defence had to be on their toes to cope with the threat that Leeds possessed. This was evidenced by the number of shots that the hosts had and every time they got one on target, Leno was up to the task.
Arsenal have a Europa League match coming up on Thursday and the German stopper could be given a rest to keep him fresh for the Premier League. Ever since arriving in 2018, he has steadily become one of the most important players in this Gunners team.
For this squad to have a chance to make it to the Champions League spots, it will need performances like this one. Next week, the team can look to win but until then they have only one man to thank.
