Paul Merson has labelled Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno as ‘absolutely outstanding’ after being finally afforded a chance by Unai Emery.
Leno arrived at Arsenal for the relatively modest fee of £22.5 million from Bayer Leverkusen, but was forced to wait for his Premier League debut, with Petr Cech retaining his place for between the sticks for the first seven games of the season.
However, an injury to Cech against Watford saw Leno afforded his chance to impress, a chance that he has grabbed with both hands, much to the delight of former Gunners attacker Paul Merson.
“He is doing really well, isn’t he?” Merson told Sky Sports.
“He looks a good goalkeeper, he looks like he’s got a good temperament as well. He’s made some great saves.
“They’re always out of danger, he doesn’t gamble, he doesn’t go ‘oh I think he’s going to hit it there’.
“That’s reading the game to the highest level. He’s been outstanding, absolutely outstanding.”
Such has been Leno’s form, Merson doesn’t think Cech will regain his place once he returns to full fitness.
“There was talk when Cech got fit, people were wondering if he would come back in,” Merson continued. “But now you’re thinking that’s a million miles away at the moment. A million miles away.”
Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League, one point behind fellow London club Chelsea.