Pat Nevin has raved about Arsenal goalkeeper Mat Ryan on BBC Radio 5 Live (5:49pm, May 2, 2021).
The former Chelsea winger was impressed by the performance of Ryan during Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Newcastle United away from home at St. James’ Park in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Gunners won the match 2-0, with the 29-year-old Australia international goalkeeper – signed on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the January transfer window – playing well between the posts and rising to the occasion when he had to.
Nevin was following the match for BBC Radio 5 Live, and the Scotsman believes that although Ryan had very little to do, when he was called into action, he was perfect.
The Scotsman said about Ryan on BBC Radio 5 Live (5:49pm, May 2, 2021): “He had very little to do, Mat Ryan, but everything he has done has been perfect.
“There were a couple of decent crosses, at the most three crosses that were dangerous, and we thought is he going to get to them, and actually he looked solid, absolutely solid.”
Permanent Arsenal contract?
Bernd Leno is the first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal, and it is unlikely that manager Mikel Arteta will change that anytime soon.
True, Leno has made mistakes, but the German goalkeeper has also bounced back, like he did against Villarreal in the Europa League last week.
However, Arsenal need a capable back-up, and in Ryan the North London club have one.
The 29-year-old has done well when he has been called into action this season. The Australian has looked calm and comfortable on the ball and has made some important saves.
It would make sense for Arsenal to make Ryan’s loan deal from Brighton permanent in the summer transfer window.
Ryan is only 29 at the moment, and his best years are ahead of him.
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