Clean sheets have been a bit of a rarity for Arsenal this season, so every one that comes along is very welcome.
Today’s was well earned in the 2-0 win over Southampton, with Bernd Leno doing his utmost to prevent the opposition from scoring. He made two crucial first half saves, and a spectacular second half one to help Arsenal earn three points and move into the top four.
Afterwards, Lucas Torreira had praise for the Arsenal keeper, and spoke about how vital it is not to concede.
“I think it’s always important to keep a clean sheet,” he said, “because if we do we give ourselves a much better chance of getting the three points.
“Of course that’s what happened today. Bernd’s a very important player, he’s been growing throughout the season.
“We’re really happy to have him between the sticks for us. He’s very strong in terms of playing with his feet as well and we’re happy to get the three points today.”
Rate the players on the 2-0 Southampton win on our player ratings system
We’ve particularly enjoyed the idea of the Uruguayan saying ‘between the sticks’, but there’s no doubt that Leno was a key part of a very important win today.
Next up: Bournemouth at home on Wednesday, before the North London derby on Saturday.
The best thing about having low expectations, is that I’m absolutely delighted so far with our season.
We’ve already far exceeded my expectations.
Unrelated…I am so glad that fablianski has being doing so well now at westham and is probably going to be westham’s player of the season.
I love Leno’s shotstopping abilities but, and I’m sorry to focus on the negative, but he is not “very strong playing at his feet”. His distribution is indecisive and inaccurate and on at least two occasions it put us in serious trouble today. Not for the first time… Can’t say I was disappointed with him but just an observation
It is what it is, teams are working out how to press better and in fairness only one team in the league is good at playing out of the back…all the others have nightmares every game too.. just saw it with Chelsea trying to do it in the final as we speak lol.
A bit off topic.
Extraordinary scenes at Stamford Bridge, the GK refusing to be substituted against the Sarri’s decision!
I want Chelsea to draw with the Tots. Need to draw the Tots into the fight to finish top 4. That way it will be 2 places for 4 teams, rather 1 place for 3 😉
Still plenty of time for sp*rs to do what they do best
What is that?
Bottling it, I’m guessing. Still only team to come 3rd in a 2 horse race for the title. ?
It will take some experience but I believe he has the capability of improving with his feet. You can see he still gets uncomfortable , and the pace of the premier league can also affect that.
Look at how poorly Alisson played out from the back vs Bayern. Even Ter Stegen and Neuer make mistakes from time to time. No keeper is perfect in that regard. We’re just watching Leno more closely is all. Ederson is the best though if you ask me
Neuer makes few mistakes. Did see one midweek. But thought his personal passing out was quite good– keeping Pool from being able to hunt the ball.
Do like Bernd Leno. But he may not approach Manuel Neuer’s level.
Watched Bayern vs Liverpool during the week and I was super impressed by Bayern’s fluency and speed at playing from the back and I think we have some way to go before we become very good at it.
However, I think we’ve been improving throughout the season. I remember the first time we played Chelsea this season and we could barely play the ball out of our half without them getting it or it going out for a throwing.
I think with time, we could get to a level it becomes second nature to us.
Leno did good today.
Regardless of how good a defense is, we need a keeper to be alert.
Made the diff today for our first goal.
Another clean sheet to build on is a good positive for the backline but its an overall effort that works.