After Bernd Leno’s sustained an injury against Brighton because of Neal Maupay’s sly push, Emi Martinez was thrust into action for the rest of the 2019-20 campaign.
The Argentine took his chance with both (safe) hands, and played a big part in our FA Cup success. The quality he demonstrated was, perhaps, a surprise to some people, but the 27 year old always had faith in his own ability, declaring more than once his desire to be number 1 at the club.
Whereas the German had previously been seen as the undisputed first choice, there was now real competition, with fans divided – in a nice way – about who should start the new season in goal.
Having quality options for a position one of the best issues you can have in football, and when it was put to Mikel Arteta that he might find it hard to keep them both happy this season, he made it clear he was relishing the competition Leno and Martinez have ahead of them.
“I don’t want to keep them both happy, I want the one that is not playing to be upset,” he said.
“But upset and then challenge the next player to make him better, or if not, earn his place to do that. It’s not easy to do that.
“I personally don’t see any difference with goalkeepers to full backs. They know that, I’ve been really clear with them and hopefully they can make each other better and hopefully the team better.”
Leno was one of the team’s most consistent performers last season, is now fully recovered from the injury he picked up against Brighton, which will make the challenge between himself and Emi even more interesting.
“Bernd is fit,” continued Arteta. “He was almost fit for the last game against Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
“We didn’t want to take the risk even to get him involved in the squad but he’s been training throughout the summer and he is in perfect condition now.”
Good healthy competition.
I’m sure Emi and Bernd will relish in the battle for top spot!
It’s like Almunia vs Mannone all over again.
But this time with goalkeepers.
Don Vito was in the Danish league last year after a spell in Major League where he won MLS goalie of the year…back at reading now
#JourneyMan
It’s like Almunia vs Mannone all over again.
But this time with goalkeepers.
love it
Lol
God we lived with Almunia for several years. If not for Arsene, any other manager would have got the sack just for thattt reason alone.
“I don’t want to keep them both happy, I want the one that is not playing to be upset,” “But upset and then challenge the next player to make him better, or if not, earn his place to do that.” He never says anything wrong does he? If you give him the chance, Mikel could actually convince you to sell everything you own and commit to following his lead. Pure class. Martinez should stop with the threats about wanting to stay no 1 else he’ll leave. Everyone needs to fight for the jersey. Leno isn’t an average GK that we’ll… Read more »
Emi has been at Arsenal for 8-9 years. He was exceptional at the end of last season. He has done ZERO wrong and has the right to expect 1st team football. If he doesn’t get it, he has the right to want to move on, and we should bless him with that after the service he’s given. Still my preference that he is our number 1 this season. His handling is absolutely world class, his command of the box is exceptional and he is proper two footed with really good distribution. That is not saying Leno isn’t a great goalie,… Read more »
I would argue he has (done something wrong): catching the ball outside the box in the FA Cup final. He simply wasn’t punished for it.
Good thing he wasn’t too, because a suspension would have have been a major setback in this battle with Leno.
Ball was inside the box.
Arteta is mean
He is keeping us all keen though.
What I like about Martinez is his control over his area which Leno don’t. How Leno let in a cross against Chelsea at the Emirates still hunts me. Am not the Manager but my preference is Emi.
yep
emi deserves his chance
leno is ok as a no 2 for now
Martinez commands his area much the better of the two.
If the defence isn’t so open and gives up less 1v1’s, I think Martinez would be the better choice.
If Arteta can convince both of them to stay for another season, fighting for the 1.team spot, that would probably be the be best. And if that doesn’t work, one of them can leave next season.
I know we need money, but a couple of injuries and we only have Matt Macey between the sticks..
We are selling all our full-backs and playing two sweeper keepers. Advanced tactics from Arteta.
Leno pace will haunt Liverpool defence tomorrow, be scared van Dijk, be very scared
You don’t want to be needlessly chopping & changing players but, with a condensed season and more midweek games, there’s even more need and opportunity to rotate players in all positions including goalkeepers. I hope MA can keep both sufficiently involved that they are happy enough no to ask for a transfer! Both will be looking be consolidate a position in their national team squads too, so we can’t risk leaving either on the sidelines too much or they’ll want out! It’s a delicate balancing act!
I think it will be a competition to whole season. With Emi probably playing cup competitions and if Leno makes a mistake, Emi is there to take the place. Will be an interesting contest. I think the “loser” will leave next summer. If both stay somehow that would mean some serious competition. But I don’t think anyone of them want to play second fiddle anymore.
Signs are that Arteta is a ridiculously good man manager!! This is incredible being such a young coach.
should be the same with EVERY position, at least two strong options for competition …. GK Leno/Martinelli LB – Tierney/Kolasinac RB – Bellerin/Cedric LCB – Mari/(Manghales) RCB – Luiz/Saliba CDM – Xhaka/(????) RCM – (????)/Guendouzi LCM – (????)/Willock RW – Pepe/Willian LW – Auba/Saka CF – Nketiah/Martinelli Plus extra in defense/Midfield/Attack – (Chambers or Mustafi)/(Ozil or Smith-Rowe)/(Nelson/Tyreece JJ) Plenty of holes in midfield. Assuming Torreira leaving…No Elneny, not up to standard, the utility IMO is Willock. Arguably as mentioned before, Lacazette IMO may be a mistake letting go. Auba may curtail growth on LW and IMO not good with hold… Read more »
Statistically they were both in the top 3 Prem goalkeepers last season. Not a bad problem to have at all.
It seems only fair to stick with Emi. Dropping him would be a slap in the face and based on that last quarter of a season, he looks like he could be a phenomenal goalkeeper. That said, Bernd was performing admirably in an awful side and was our second best player behind Auba. Let the battle commence boys!
Think this is just to ensure the market values of either don’t decline, can’t see us keeping both while we struggle for funds to improve other parts of the squad that need urgent attention.
I feel better with EMI in goal, far more commanding in the box, much more secure with crosses than Leno