Eyebrows were raised earlier this summer when Arsenal sold Emiliano Martinez.
After all, the Argentine had played a massive role in the Gunners’ brilliant form during the last two months of the campaign, inspiring them to an FA Cup title.
So when Arsenal sold him to Aston Villa and staked their faith in Bernd Leno who looked set to be number two after returning from injury, it was a questionable decision.
But the German goalkeeper proved why those in North London rate him so very highly – higher than Martinez, evidently.
Mikel Arteta’s side moved into the quarter-final of the League Cup on Thursday night by beating Liverpool on penalties.
One big reason for Arsenal’s progression was Leno, who pulled off a series of spectacular saves to keep the score at 0-0 for the full 90 minutes.
It was a reminder that the 28-year-old is one of the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers and even Chelsea fans, who have been heavily frustrated by the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga, have put loyalties to one side to praise Arteta’s German stopper.
Here’s how they’re reacting on Twitter to Leno’s display:
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