Goalkeepers don’t often get the spotlight as much as they probably will on Saturday when Arsenal travel to Aston Villa.
A hint of irony will be on show, as the man who replaced Emiliano Martinez as Arsenal’s then-number two, Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson, looks set to line-up in goal, with the Argentinian over on the other side.
Bernd Leno was sent off during Arsenal’s defeat to Wolves on Tuesday, with January signing Matthew Ryan yet to train, which means Rúnarsson may well don the gloves, as Mikel Arteta hinted in his press conference today.
Sections of the Aston Villa supporters are looking forward to Rúnarsson potentially playing because he hasn’t exactly filled his own fans with comfort.
The Iceland international produced a horror show when Arsenal were knocked out of the League Cup against Manchester City in December.
Therefore, it’s understandable why some Villa supporters will feel giddy and looking forward to testing Rúnarsson’s nerves.
But this is where someone, somewhere is writing a script of some sort because, after Leno’s brain freeze against Wolves, it was Martinez’s turn to showcase his bad side as Villa suffered a 3-1 defeat to West Ham last night.
Martinez has helped Villa secure ten clean sheets this season and has been outstanding all campaign- apart from yesterday where he should have saved both of Jesse Lingard’s goals.
So, it’s set for an interesting encounter at the weekend, as eyes will be on those between the sticks and whether they can keep their cool.
Here is a selection of Villa fans reacting to Rúnarsson potentially playing on Saturday:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
