According to Football London, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was really annoyed by something Bernd Leno did in our defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.
The German was given an extended break after the Euros and it was quite clear that he’s still not up to speed. He had a few shaky moments in the game against Chelsea, especially with his passing.
We all know Arteta prefers playing out from the back. That has helped us create a few opportunities at times, but the risks that come with it are big, and a single mistake could gift our opponents a free shot at goal.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
How Bernd Leno angered Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on Sunday
At one point in the game, Leno decided to go long with one of his goal-kicks instead of passing it to a teammate in front of him. Unfortunately for him, his kick saw the ball bounce off the pitch, and Arteta was not a happy man.
“Bernd,” screamed Arteta in anger. He gestured downwards with his hands in what looked like a message to his goalkeeper saying: Stay calm and keep the ball on the floor.
That makes it absolutely clear that there will be no change in Arsenal’s philosophy this season. We will continue to play out from the back every single time as Arteta truly believes that’s the way forward.
Goalkeeping dilemma
Leno is our undisputed number one and that will not change before the start of the new season. However, his only competition in the first-team is a teenager in Arthur Okonkwo, who is yet to play a senior competitive game.
That has to change before the end of this summer’s window. We all saw last season how complacency can set in when there’s no competition. That leads to mistakes and we simply cannot afford that next term.
Read more: Real Madrid are ready to sell Odegaard to Arsenal, but on one condition
Leno needs someone like Emi Martinez breathing over his neck. That will surely push him to his limits, and we all know how incredible he can be when he knows that one bad performance could cost him his place in the side.
