A section of Arsenal fans have applauded Bernd Leno for his performance against Nottingham Forest, despite the club suffering a shock third-round exit from the FA Cup.
The 14-time FA Cup winners were the clear favorites to progress through to the next round heading into the clash. But, they just couldn’t get into their stride. Neither side created any significant goal-scoring opportunities in the first half, and many expected the visitors to step on the gas in the second half.
However, it was the Championship side that was the much-improved team. They moved the ball much quicker and, deservedly, broke the deadlock through Lewis Grabban’s short-range effort. This slender advantage was enough to beat the north London club, who were at sixes and sevens in the middle of the pitch throughout the game.
The Gunners looked vulnerable every time the hosts launched a quick counterattack. If not for Leno’s skills between the sticks, the scoreline would have been much more embarrassing. He sprung into action whenever he was called upon.
The German international made a crucial save early in the second half to keep the score level. He also made an outstanding save from a James Garner free-kick destined for the top corner, which prompted Aaron Ramsdale to applaud his goalkeeping counterpart from the bench.
Leno was sharp despite lacking regular football. Many fans believe that the 29-year-old was Arsenal’s best player on the pitch. Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter:
Bernd Leno deserves a lot more respect from our fanbase.
Really professional & dependable. 👊🏽— Moh Haider (@ArsenalMoh8) January 9, 2022
Utter garbage from Arsenal today. Beaten by the much better team. Apart from Leno, every player ought to be ashamed for such a limp & pathetic performance.
— FK ☕️ (@fkhanage) January 9, 2022
Leno was class. Could have been more tbh
— H.D (@HD__AFC) January 9, 2022
As much as Ramsdale will always be my keeper, I must say Leno really impressed me today. Only player who stepped up and he kept us in the game.
— Lucy (@Lucfergy) January 9, 2022
Don’t forget how good Bernd Leno is just because Aaron Ramsdale is class.
— Av (@aviv_lavi) January 9, 2022
Leno has flaws in his game but has always been an excellent shot stopper for us.
— YankeeGunner (@YankeeGunner) January 9, 2022
Laca came on and did nothing, Leno is a good enough goalkeeper to start for arsenal. Still can’t take away the fact that we deserved to win against a top prem side
— james Beeby (@JxmesBeeby16) January 10, 2022
Arsenal Fever View:
The German shot-stopper has been Arsenal’s Number one for the past two years. However, he couldn’t settle into the squad this season as he was at the receiving end in the early stages of the season after the Gunners suffered three consecutive losses at the start of the Premier League.
Arteta decided to introduce Ramsdale in goal. He was vocal in the box and was a fresh breath of fresh air for the team. Since then, he has cemented his position between the sticks. It has become a rarity to see the Englishman not starting games. But, Leno’s performance against Nottingham Forest proves that the Gunners have got two extraordinary goalkeepers in their ranks.
Now Arsenal’s only realistic chance of securing silverware this season is the League Cup. The players will have to improve their game drastically if they are to beat Liverpool and book a spot in Wembley for the finals.
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