Subsequent to Petr Cech’s hamstring injury conceded on Saturday against Watford, it looks like it’s finally time for new signing Bernd Leno to step up and prove his worth to the manager Unai Emery. Leno has been used in Europa League fixture and Carabao Cup fixture but Cech has started all 7 consecutive Premier League opening fixtures.
The German international arrived to The Emirates for a £22.5m transfer fee from Bayer Leverkusen in summer transfer window. Leno has shown commendable patience as well as quality in the Europa league fixture against Vorskla Poltava and the Carabao Cup game against Brentford.
Despite Cech’s injury, Arsenal are presently looking to secure the Europa League under their new manager Unai Emery who has a proven track record of winning the competition three times and this has punters across the world rooting for Arsenal to win the competition with favourable odds being present in their favour from numerous bookies including the best online roulette uk.
The player insisted that his time will come as The Gunners’ number 1 and fortunately for him it looks like first choice keeper Petr Cech may be out of action for 3 weeks after limping off the pitch due to a hamstring injury while taking a goal-kick. On Cech’s injury, the manager said,
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“Tomorrow I will know more. Maybe it’s two or three weeks, it’s muscular hamstring.”
“He[Leno] is working very well with the goalkeeping coaches.”
– Emery on Cech’s injury[/perfectpullquote]
With the coast appearing to be clear to start in the following few Premier League fixtures, Leno looks determined to impress. Asked after the game if he was excited about the chance to prove his worth, he told SkySports,
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“Yes, of course. Now Petr is injured – I don’t know how long for – I have the opportunity to play more games and show the coach my quality.
It is a big chance for me. I don’t want to say it wrong that I am happy for Petr to be injured.
I think always it is a bad feeling, so I feel sorry for him but, now I have more opportunities to play and I will concentrate on the games.”
– Leno on his chance to replace Cech[/perfectpullquote]
Former club legend Jens Lehmann insists that Leno checks out all boxes to be a success, he told Standard Sport,
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“He’s a very good shot-stopper, he’s calm, good with his feet,
To be a success at Arsenal he will have to win something.”
– Lehman on Leno[/perfectpullquote]
Jens Lehmann praises Bernd Leno after his good performance against Watford:
“He’s a very good shot-stopper, he’s calm, good with his feet. To be a success at Arsenal he will have to win something.” [Standard]#afc pic.twitter.com/DDVBrjJDbH
— Sash ~ (@ltarsenal) October 1, 2018
Even team-mate Rob Holding was full of praise for the 26 years old keeper, the defender said,
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“We knew that with Bernd coming in that he’s got the quality.
We saw it in the Europa League and the Carabao cup games that he’s good with his feet and players the style that we want to play.”
– Holding on Leno’s quality[/perfectpullquote]
Proceeding the 2-0 victory against Watford, Emery, when questioned about Leno’s performance said,
“He is working very well with the goalkeeping coaches. I’ve spoken with him.
What’s most important is that when the team needs him, he helps us. He’s prepared and he did that well against Vorskla, on Wednesday and today.
It’s the same with Emi Martinez. We have three very good goalkeepers. Petr Cech’s performances and experience are very important for us. I think Bernd Leno can learn from training with Petr Cech every day.
He can convince me, but not now. I am very convinced with him! He played because of an injury to Petr Cech but I am very happy with him.
He has waited for his moment. It’s arriving and the performance is the best for him and for us.”
– Emery on Leno’s chance to impress
https://twitter.com/NickVann1987/status/1046379820823826432
I personally believe that Petr Cech has been outstanding for The Emirates outfit this season, his absence will undoubtedly be felt but it’s time to put faith in our new signing. Leno has 200 appearances in the German top fight and looks determined to perform for his new team.
I expect Leno to be benched tomorrow in the Europa League fixture against Qarabag as Unai Emery would want him to rest to start against Fulham in the Premier League this Sunday.
