For the first time since he arrived in the summer, Bernd Leno’s name was sung loudly, proudly and repeatedly by the home fans as the German helped Arsenal to an important 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates.
Having started the season as back-up to Petr Cech, the 27-year-old has now made 27 consecutive appearances in the league and in recent weeks we’ve seen his tidy performances give way to point-winning ones.
Following an impressive showing at Sp*rs, against whom he made a stunning double stop just before half time, the keeper made several stops at key moments yesterday to keep the Red Devils at bay.
After the victory, the former Bayer Leverkusen stopper admitted he’s enjoying his football before sounding a warning to the Gunners upcoming opponents.
“I think I’ve played a good season and of course I need time to get a feeling and adapt to the league and my new team,” he told Arsenal.com.
“Goalkeeper is a special person and I think I’m now in a good moment. I will keep working over the last eight games to show my best performances and help the team. I think today I did the same like weeks before.
“The manager gave me the time and when I got the chance I played well, so he told me I’ll stay in the goal. I’m pleased to play for Arsenal and I want to give the club and the team something back with my performances.
He added: “We are in the top four and now the other teams will wait for our mistakes.
We aren’t playing any of the top six teams so I think we can beat the other teams. I think the next game is against Newcastle and that’s another opportunity to win and stay in the top four.
“It was very important to beat United not only for the Premier League but for the game on Thursday so we don’t have so much pressure.
“The most important thing is the positive atmosphere and now everybody has confidence because at home we are very strong. I think Rennes saw this performance today so they will have respect to play at our stadium.”
Admittedly was on the fence about Leno at the start of the season, and even a few weeks ago, but since that out-of-this-world double save against Spurs his confidence has sky-rocketed. Seems a lot more commanding in his box now. When you look at the prices paid for both Kepa and Allison (granted, both a bit younger) 16m is starting to look like an absolute steal so long may his performances continue
And just to add to my own comment, he’s making saves he has no right making i.e. he’s starting to save us points. That chance against Southampton at 0-0, big save. The double save against Tottenham JUST before ht, HUGE saves. And the saves against Utd yesterday, especially the Lukaku one at the start of the second half
Did he really say that he is in a “good moment”? That is how you know the coaches ideas get through to the players!
He only forgot to mention that he played with a big intensity and big quality to do the action
As long as he’s not teaching him English
Emery English
I caste my doubts about him as a goal keeper but I think his proven me wrong he was outstanding yesterday and who had ever thought he play better than de Gea. Finally we have a good keeper.
We’ve had a great keeper for years. Cech is still a great keeper.
Cech was a grest keeper but he looks past his best now. The fact that he has chosen to retire suggests he knows it himself too.
Leno is clearly our best keeper now.
You may be right but my point is that Cech was a great keeper when we signed him.
Dr. Bernd Leno the Head Doctor playing mind games with Rennes, love it. His type of quiet confidence is infectious and good for our defenders
He has been superb lately… what a steal 19m!
He really has proven a lot of us wrong. We were shy about placing too much confidence in him this early but he has rewarded our patience tenfold! His contributions are more and more significant to the team’s overall performance and security at the back. As Cech is on the way to retirement, we may need to look at an understudy/competition for him in the coming season. He ought not to be allowed to rest on his laurels. I’m sure he’ll improve but he needs a young whippersnapper to be biting at his heels to keep him fresh. Nonetheless, long… Read more »
Our first decent keeper since Lehman and it has been a painful wait. You can just feel confidence in the team because he is so calm.
I disagree. Cech was a brilliant signing.
While I think he’s been unfairly criticized, Cech’s time st Arsenal has hardly been ‘brilliant’
Yes it has. He’s been a brilliant keeper for us and until last season was as good as any other in the country. He is still a fine keeper and in many respects Leno can stil learn a lot from him such as dealing with crosses. Cech is also a highly intelligent guy and I really wish he would stay on and become a keeper coach
Last season he led the league (for keepers only) with 6 mistakes leading to goals, would hardly call that brilliant.
Keep up the good work
Ihave rated Leno very highly since his Stuttgart days.He has totally shown his class at Arsenal too.But I feel we should get another goalkeeper to give him competition.So, that wIe can get the best out of him.I think he has the potential to be a world class goalkeeper just like Ter Stegen. Alfan Lafont will be a good second choice goalkeeper and ev
en for the future I totally dont think Ospina will be a threat to him.
Sorry for the spelling mistakes
Been following Alban Lafont since he was still playing for Toulouse. Has long regarded him as a decent keeper with much potential. If we sign him for ~10 M it would be a steal
I thought the rules for us buying a keeper were that you add £10m to the cost that the other team would pay us for him if it were the other way around?
Leno is calm on the ball and commands his area well. Let’s hope this performance had them quaking in their boots.
He is already 27? I somehow thought he was younger. He really needs to step up then. At this age he has to prove he is really worth it.
What are you talking about? Step up?! Did you watch his recent performances? He has been immense.
Oliver Kahn would be proud of you, Son.