Murphy says Arsenal goalkeeper Leno did not ‘do his homework’ for Southampton clash

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Danny Murphy has told Match of the Day that Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno failed to do the correct preparation as the Gunners drew 1-1 with Southampton on Wednesday night – their run without a Premier League win now stretching to six games.

Mikel Arteta’s side had to settle for a point after Theo Walcott – the veteran winger that played 397 times in all competitions for the Gunners – put Southampton ahead in the first 45 minutes. Played in by Che Adams, he chipped Leno exquisitely.

Arsenal did get back into the match, finally scoring a goal from open play. A lovely slip ball from Eddie Nketiah played Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through on goal and the Gunners skipper obliged, finishing expertly past Alex McCarthy.

Murphy discusses Walcott’s display and his goal upon his return to the Emirates for the first time since rejoining boyhood club Southampton – and claimed that given he used to use the chip finish at Arsenal, Leno clearly had not done his homework.

“That’s a super finish,” Murphy said. “Actually, he used to do that finish a lot at Arsenal. Clearly, the goalkeeper hasn’t done his homework there. Arsenal weren’t very good at all, they weren’t at the races.”

TBR’s view – Harsh criticism of Leno

It would be quite a tall order to ask £20million (Mail) signing Leno to look up the most-common traits of every Southampton attacker. Even if he knew Walcott likes a chip, could he have applied that when Walcott went through on goal?

The criticism of Leno – who has been one of the more consistent Arsenal performers during Arsenal’s inconsistent couple of seasons – is harsh and probably misplaced. Other Arsenal stars are more deserving of criticism, certaonly not Leno.