Alan Smith has written in The London Evening Standard that Arsenal goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson has been very shaky so far this season.
The former Arsenal star, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, made the comments about Runarsson while looking ahead to the Premier League game between Aston Villa and the Gunners at Villa Park on Saturday.
Bernd Leno is suspended for the game, meaning that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have to pick between Mat Ryan and Runarsson.
Ryan, who joined Arsenal on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the January transfer window, has injury concerns, and there is a very good chance that the 25-year-old Iceland international goalkeeper Runarsson could start.
Smith wrote in The London Evening Standard: “With Leno suspended, will Mat Ryan be ready or will Arsenal have to depend on Runar Alex Runarsson, the Icelandic keeper who has looked very shaky? With old boy Emi Martinez down the other end, more Runarsson mistakes would make Arteta wince.”
Staying positive
Runarsson was a rather underwhelming signing by Arsenal in the summer of 2020, and the fact that the Gunners brought in Ryan in January means that he is now the third-choice goalkeeper.
However, Arsenal fans should stay positive. The 25-year-old did make some good saves after coming on as a substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers, although it must be noted that he did not look very comfortable with the ball at his feet.
According to WhoScored, Runarsson has also made four appearances in the Europa League and has played once in the EFL Cup for the Gunners so far this season.
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