Unai Emery rates Bernd Leno’s performances at Arsenal
The Arsenal manager heaps praise on Bernd Leno for his excellent performances
Unai Emery praised Bernd Leno for his excellent performance in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Wolves last weekend.
The Germany international has made a solid start to his Gunners career after Emery called upon his summer signing following Petr Cech’s injury in a 2-0 win over Watford back in September.
Leno has conceded in each of his five starts in the Premier League so far, although the 26-year-old goalkeeper has helped to protect the north London side’s 10-game unbeaten run in the top flight.
The German shot stopper produced four saves to prevent Wolves from adding to their first-half goal before Henrikh Mkhitaryan levelled with four minutes of normal time remaining in the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
Leno moved to Arsenal in a £21m deal from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer after Emery was confirmed as Arsene Wenger’s replacement after Arsenal finished in sixth spot in the Premier League last term.
Asked during his post-match media conference whether Leno’s performance was his best in an Arsenal shirt so far, Emery replied:
“We knew that we needed the goalkeeper with his performance, because when we are taking risks in our attacking moments, and to give them a transition and options in the transitional moments we would need the goalkeeper.
“I thought his performance was good for us.”
Leno started his career at Stuttgart before the goalkeeper moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 2011.
The Arsenal shot stopper made 304 appearances in all competitions during seven seasons at the German club before he completed a move to the Premier League in July.
Leno still has work to do to permanently see off the challenge of Premier League veteran Cech, who has been one of the division’s best goalkeepers over the past decade.
Arsenal have drawn their last three Premier League games having won seven games on the spin following losses to Chelsea FC and Manchester City at the start of the season.
Crystal Palace, Liverpool FC and Wolves have all managed to secure a point against the Gunners.
