Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina has put rivalry aside between his new club and Arsenal to applaud Matt Turner after his fellow USA shot-stopper made his debut for the Gunners in a 2-1 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League.
Turner, 28, completed a move to Arsenal this summer, after a deal had been agreed in the previous window. He joins from MLS side New England Revolution, where he played 111 times in all competitions – clocking up 24 clean sheets.
Despite his age, Turner is still somewhat inexperienced – having only played 139 matches at club level. The latest came in Switzerland on Thursday night, starting between the sticks for the Gunners. Arsenal went on to win 2-1.
A shaky start from Turner, and a goal conceded from a penalty. But he did calm down towards the end and goals from Eddie Nketiah and Marquinhos secured the win. Following the match, Turner posted on Instagram.
Slonina applauds Arsenal goalkeeper Turner after Gunners debut
Turner could be the man in goal against England at the World Cup this summer. He faces competition from Manchester City’s Zack Steffen, who is on loan at Middlesbrough. Slonina, though, is yet to win a senior cap.
The latter joined Chelsea for £12million from another MLS side in Chicago Fire. He is currently considered the club’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga. But the two clearly are acquainted.
Whether Turner gets the game time necessary to show why he deserves to start at the World Cup remains to be seen. But it is clear he will get his chance in the Cup competitions, as Aaron Ramsdale starts in the league.
Slonina was among those to praise Turner on Instagram. Despite the rivalry between Chelsea and Arsenal, he told Turner he was “buzzing” for him to make his Gunners debut on Thursday in Arsenal’s first Europa League game.
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