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Wolverhampton Wanderers
David Seaman has told Sky Sports that Alex Runarsson has shown huge strength of character to impress after coming on as a substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night – following plenty of criticism of the Icelandic stopper.
Runarsson, 25, has been criticised of late following his dismal showing against Manchester City in the 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat. Arsenal have since brought in Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton in the January window, but Runarsson has remained.
However, with Ryan injured and Bernd Leno being sent off against Wolves – Runarsson was handed his Premier League debut and his sixth appearance for the Gunners, as Arsenal went down to nine men and eventually lost 2-1 to Wolves.
Runarsson kept Wolves at bay, preventing them from adding to their score – making numerous saves and impressing in his brief cameo role. He could play against Aston Villa on Saturday, and Seaman was full of praise for the goalkeeper.
“Runarsson came in and got tested at the start – a lot of people can only remember his mistakes against Man City. But to see him come in and perform like that was pleasing and it looks like he has got over it,” Seaman said.
TBR’s view – Runarsson deserves to be trusted
If Ryan is out on Saturday and with Lenon suspended, Arsenal have to place their faith in Runarsson. People, though, are quick to write him off – he played well in Europe before his game against Manchester City.
But he needs time to adapt. He has no momentum as a number two, and his confidence is probably knocked after the signing of Ryan. So to perform in the 15 minutes he did against Wolves needs to be commended. He deserves the trust of Arsenal.
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