Kevin Campbell has slammed Bernd Leno for his mistake for the second goal in Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with West Ham United last week.
The German let in Jarrod Bowen’s tame shot in at his near-post under his body after the Hammers had taken a quick free-kick.
Speaking on Football Insider, the former Highbury favourite claimed the Gunners number one had barely anything to do throughout the encounter.”
Campbell said: “Leno did not have too much to do in the game. He produced one smart save from Declan Rice when he broke through but the goal, it was disappointing to say the least. If I am honest with you, it was simply not good enough. An Arsenal number one cannot be letting that in, you have got to save that.”
Was Arteta right to keep Leno as the number one keeper?
Yes
No
The high standards set by the Germany international during the first two seasons in north London have slipped quite a bit since he suffered that injury away to Brighton and Hove Albion last year. His recent form has been nowhere near good enough this season with mistakes creeping into his game recently.
Leno was at fault for the goal conceded away to Olympiacos in the first-leg of their Europa League tie earlier this month. It came just a week or so after he produced a similar clanger away to Burnley as the Emirates Stadium giants struggled to a 1-1 draw against the Clarets.
Allowing Bowen’s strike to crawl in underneath his body is just another in what is proving to be an error-prone spell in the 29-year-old’s career at the club.
It seems as the campaign wears on the decision to sell Emiliano Martinez has become worse and worse. Leno’s form and consistency is proving to be a worry for Mikel Arteta and with Mat Ryan nowhere near to displacing the ace, his continued presence in the XI could be costly.
In other news, one youngster could miss the start of next season.
