Arsenal: 5 players who exceeded expectations in 2019/20

With the season in hiatus due to the coronavirus outbreak, we have some time to reflect. So, here are five players who exceeded expectations in 2019/20.

The coronavirus has hit the UK, and, eventually, it must be said, the Premier League acted accordingly, postponing all matches until April 4th. For now, at least, this provides a three-week hiatus with which to reflect on Arsenal’s season thus far and spin forward to what may — or may not be to come — in future weeks and months.

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So, with time on our hands, here are five players who exceeded expectations so far in the 2019/20 season.

5. Bernd Leno

Entering his second season as Arsenal’s full-time starter, there was tentative hope that Bernd Leno could take the next step to becoming an elite Premier League goalkeeper. He started off a little shakily in his first season at the club but recovered with a superb run of form to close out the year. But could he maintain that form over an extended period and prove to be a consistent difference-maker?

Well, in his second season, he has provided most of the answer. For the first half of the campaign, he was phenomenal. The German topped the Premier League in saves, made some terrific blocks, clearances and game-winning saves, and singlehandedly prevented Arsenal from falling into utter capitulation during the latter Unai Emery days.

More recently, a few tentative errors have crept into his game. His command of the penalty area is still left a little wanting and his distribution remains a little panicked. But overall, Leno has taken the next step on the way to becoming a world-class goalkeeper.