Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has been criticised for his part in conceding Manchester City’s winning goal at the Etihad Stadium last night.
The German was unable to hold on to a shot from Phil Foden, pushing the ball out into a dangerous area, allowing Raheem Sterling to score from the rebound. It is not the first time this has happened and supporters on Twitter have been questioning the 28-year-old’s handling:
We sold the wrong player. Martinez was clearly the better keeper. More assured btw the sticks. That decision to sell Martinez was horrible. Leno is very shaky
— Noah Nwosu (@NoahNwosu75) October 18, 2020
Bad rebound by you, Leno. This is the 2nd game you are doing this. Push the ball away to the corner side.
— COVID-19 Ready to Volunteer ? (@odinaks) October 17, 2020
Leno is overrated. Fact is, he's a good goalkeeper but nowhere near as good as some of our fanbase makes out.
— ®️?PepeLacaAuba (@___13245) October 17, 2020
Leno has got to be holding on to that… definitely not pushing back in to the centre on the box
— Neilzo (@NeilSte13) October 17, 2020
Leno again…parrying into danger zone
— Matt Tuck (@TuckyTalkies) October 17, 2020
Leno ffs why are you pushing it there
— ????Denis Fahey???? (@dfahey205) October 17, 2020
Leno in every big game
— Jason Parkin (@JasonParkin13) October 17, 2020
Leno can never punch the ball away from danger #NotGoodEnough
— 18+ (@numbcore) October 17, 2020
It must be said, it wasn’t a particularly powerful shot from Foden and, even if you are not able to hold on to the ball, you would expect your keeper to make sure it is pushed away from the danger zone.
To be fair to Leno, though, he has been in very good form for the most part at the start of this season. Fans shouldn’t forget his man of the match display against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup a few weeks back. He does, however, need to be better sometimes when dealing with shots.