Romelu Lukaku reacts to Bernd Leno save in Arsenal loss
Romelu Lukaku has praised Bernd Leno following the outstanding save that the Arsenal goalkeeper made to deny the striker a second goal on his Chelsea debut on Sunday – in comments on Sky Sports (broadcast on 22/8; 18:47).
The Gunners suffered a second defeat in two games at the start of this campaign. They were beaten 2-0 by the Blues at the Emirates.
It was another sobering occasion for Mikel Arteta’s men. But it could have been worse.
Chelsea had 22 attempts on goal. And they came incredibly close to scoring a third when Lukaku powered a superb header towards goal from a Mason Mount cross.
However, Leno somehow managed to tip the ball onto the bar with barely any time to react. He deserved the fortune of the ball coming down in front of the line and staying out.
Lukaku looked stunned to learn that Leno had got a hand to the ball and kept it out. And after the game, he suggested it was a moment of quality from the German.
“No, but there are good goalkeepers in this league,” he told Sky Sports when asked whether he could believe the stop from Leno.
“That was a great save. I think the cross from Mason was brilliant, the header was good. But the save was also really good.”
Bernd Leno under pressure to perform after Arsenal sign Aaron Ramsdale – despite Lukaku praise
Leno is not one of the players who deserves strong criticism for Sunday’s defeat.
He could have done little about the goals. And the save he made from Lukaku was world-class.
However, being good at shot-stopping is generally considered to be the bare minimum for goalkeepers in the modern game.
It was definitely a reminder of how important Leno can be when he is at his best.
But the pressure is definitely now on the 29-year-old to step up with Aaron Ramsdale arriving in the last few days.
