Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner has been praised by US outlet CBS Sports for his wonderful display against Wales on Monday at the World Cup in Qatar – describing his one-handed save to deny Tottenham ace Ben Davies as “fantastic”.
Turner, 28, won his 21st cap and started above Zack Steffen as Gregg Berhalter picked a side to take on Wales. The £7.5million Arsenal signing’s place was under scrutiny, given he had only four times for the Gunners this season.
But he was given the nod and impressed. He had little to do in the first half, but he was called upon in the second 45. Wales improved after the break, after Timo Weah had opened the scoring. Gareth Bale equalised from the penalty spot.
Bale won a penalty after Walker Zimmerman conceded a foul for a poor tackle, diving in. But it came after Turner had kept USA in the lead with a superb save from close-range. He tipped Tottenham ace Davies’ header over the bar.
CBS gave him 7/10, writing: “Had absolutely nothing to do in the first half. Didn’t break a sweat. In the second, he made a fantastic save from Ben Davies Could do nothing about the penalty, yet he did get a hand on the rocket shot.”
Arsenal goalkeeper Turner praised by CBS Sports, denied Tottenham ace
It is a gorgeous save to deny Davies. Instinctive, and a pivotal stop just at the right time. Other than that, Turner had little to do other than pick the ball out of the back of the net following a Bale penalty. Almost impossible to save.
Indeed, Bale reminded all why he is in the Wales squad. A poor performance, but the kind of player to cope with the pressure of a nation before lashing a penalty into the top corner. Turner deserves praise for his performance in goal.
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