Premier League 2018-19, Arsenal 2-0 Southampton: 5 Talking points and tactical analysis

#4. Bernd Leno proves his worth

Leno powered Arsenal to a clean sheet on Sunday

The German goalkeeper arrived at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer and was expected to paint a solid picture between the sticks. Yet, not everything has gone to the plan for Leno with him enduring an indifferent season.

However, against Southampton, the German goalkeeper rose to the occasion and produced arguably his best performance in the Arsenal shirt.

In the fifth minute, the Saints scythed through the Gunners’ defense as Redmond found himself in acres of space and he turned inside Shkodran Mustafi skilfully. However, when one on one with Leno, the Englishman was outwitted as the former expertly read his shot.

A few minutes later, he produced another splendid save to thwart Matt Targett. In the second half too, Leno has on hand to palm away the Englishman’s purely struck volley.

Back in December, the German irked the Gunners with a highly suspect display against Southampton at St. Mary’s. Yet, a couple of months down the line, at the Emirates, he might just have done enough to earn their trust for the time being.