Paul Merson has heaped praise on Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno and says the German has been absolutely outstanding this season.
Leno signed a five-year contract with the Gunners in June after Arsenal agreed a £22.5million deal to sign the shot-stopper from Bayer Leverkusen.
There were initial doubts over whether Leno, 26, or experienced rival Petr Cech would operate as new manager Unai Emerys first-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates.
But Leno has made the position his own in recent weeks and Merson has been impressed by his performances for the Gunners.
More: Football
Arsenal have enjoyed a 17-game unbeaten run this term and beat Bournemouth on Sunday to move to within one point of a Champions League place.
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Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Merson said: [Leno] is doing really well, isnt he?
He looks a good goalkeeper, he looks like hes got a good temperament as well.
Hes made some great saves. Theyre always out of danger, he doesnt gamble, he doesnt go “oh I think hes going to hit it there”.
Thats reading the game to the highest level. Hes been outstanding, absolutely outstanding.
Merson also said that Lenos performances for his former team have ensured Cech is now a million miles away from selection.
He added: There was talk when Cech got fit, people were wondering if he would come back in.
But now youre thinking thats a million miles away at the moment. A million miles away.
Speaking after the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, manager Emery said: Weve not lost for 17 matches but weve drawn some and that is not enough for us.
We spoke in the week about how important today was.
We are happy and before the match we knew it would be a difficult match and that we needed to win today to be near the top four.
Bournemouth were four points behind us and could have been near our position with a win.
More: Football
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Paul Merson has heaped praise on Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno and says the German has been absolutely outstanding this season.
Leno signed a five-year contract with the Gunners in June after Arsenal agreed a £22.5million deal to sign the shot-stopper from Bayer Leverkusen.
There were initial doubts over whether Leno, 26, or experienced rival Petr Cech would operate as new manager Unai Emerys first-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates.
But Leno has made the position his own in recent weeks and Merson has been impressed by his performances for the Gunners.
More: Football
Arsenal have enjoyed a 17-game unbeaten run this term and beat Bournemouth on Sunday to move to within one point of a Champions League place.
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Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Merson said: [Leno] is doing really well, isnt he?
He looks a good goalkeeper, he looks like hes got a good temperament as well.
Hes made some great saves. Theyre always out of danger, he doesnt gamble, he doesnt go “oh I think hes going to hit it there”.
Thats reading the game to the highest level. Hes been outstanding, absolutely outstanding.
Merson also said that Lenos performances for his former team have ensured Cech is now a million miles away from selection.
He added: There was talk when Cech got fit, people were wondering if he would come back in.
But now youre thinking thats a million miles away at the moment. A million miles away.
Speaking after the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, manager Emery said: Weve not lost for 17 matches but weve drawn some and that is not enough for us.
We spoke in the week about how important today was.
We are happy and before the match we knew it would be a difficult match and that we needed to win today to be near the top four.
Bournemouth were four points behind us and could have been near our position with a win.
More: Football
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