Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he has not promised Bernd Leno that he will be reinstated to the starting lineup for the North London derby.
Reports in Germany have suggested that Aaron Ramsdale will only be given the Norwich and Burnley fixtures before the gloves are handed back to Leno, but Arteta has denied those stories:
“I don’t know where they are coming from but they are ahead of me. I think I am the one who picks the team at the weekend. I haven’t made a decision on my team for Saturday or for the north London derby.”
Supporters on Twitter are also perplexed by the claims and most are hoping that Arteta keeps faith with Ramsdale for more than than two matches:
No decision to make. Ramsdale.
— Johnny H (@GoonerManMart) September 16, 2021
what an answer pic.twitter.com/3rJYijsczy
— . (@TobiasSeason) September 16, 2021
Imo it matters who starts from here on. The difference between Leno and ramsdale is that Leno is shy, doesn’t commands his area, weak on distributions and doesn’t mind shots coming in because he’s a good shot stopper and that’s his strong point
— stillarsenal (@dazzledem1) September 16, 2021
For once, I actually believe the first sentence, but he surely has made a decision for Saturday.
— Jonathan Okto Kurnia (@jonathan_okto) September 16, 2021
He should fight for his place in the first team, instead of taking it for granted.
— Fahd Saeed (@fahdsaed) September 16, 2021
Ramsdale should start.. we are here to get result not please anyone.. Leno had almost 2 years of good run at the club without competition and he has been very mediocre in majority of games. This time on bench is deserved and let him just play the cup games.
— Vidhyashankar (@evs_ch) September 16, 2021
Is this even a story ???? Really 🙄
— London Colney Gooner (@WillChippington) September 16, 2021
Ramsdel start for me until he proves Leno is better. He plays better from the back and coordinate the defence better and don’t put them under pressure.
— Tayo Femi (@AlexyTee) September 17, 2021
Good,
Let’s keep it so.
Everyone should fight for a starting spot.No more free ride or automatic start for anyone if this team must go forward.
— Mbang Mbang (@Itruthbishop) September 16, 2021
Ramsdale has not done anything wrong in the two fixtures he has featured in for the Gunners so far. He made a good impression on his debut in the Carabao Cup versus West Brom, and looked solid against Norwich.
However, the Burnley game this weekend is another challenge entirely. Sean Dyche’s side will look to test his aerial ability by delivering crosses into the box, both from open play and set pieces. It will be interesting to see whether he is up to the task.