Arsenal: Bernd Leno Commits the Crime, Alex Runarsson Faces Trial

Bernd Leno was shown a straight red card as Arsenal fell to a 2-1 defeat to Wolves in the Premier League on Tuesday night, leaving Alex Runarsson with a mountain to climb with nothing but a toothpick.

Amusingly – the only enjoyable segment of this, I promise – most of the footballing world spent the last 48 hours lavishing Bernd Leno with praise for his exceptional campaign in net for Arsenal this season.

Clean sheets by the bucket load (as per Arsenal standards) flying saves and clutch interventions had played an integral role in solidifying Mikel Arteta’s defence on the odd occasions they conceded notable openings on their goal.

We speak about the ‘curse of the commentator’, well, if such a malediction exists then the blame falls on the supporters who’ve heralded his excellence.

https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1356688942947532801

Bernd Leno red card away at Wolves forces Arsenal to field Alex Runarsson against Aston Villa

That is, of course, folly. There is nobody to blame for opting to use an arm outside of your own box and deny a goal-scoring opportunity other than the accused. Leno committed the crime, but Alex Runarsson will face trial.

Supporting the 25-year-old is all that can be done at this stage, even if he’s heading into a courtroom with Johnnie Cochran as his adversary.

Trying to piece together precisely what Leno was thinking in that instance would resemble drawing blood from a stone. You’re headed down a rabbit hole without explanation. He simply wasn’t thinking. Awkward bounce, caught in two minds, it matters little at this stage.

Back in the midlands on Saturday to play Aston Villa, Arsenal have succeeded in out-Arsenaling themselves. Emiliano Martinez will line up between the sticks for the Villans, against an Icelandic stopper who does an uncanny impression of a ball-boy trying on his older brother’s kit.

While he may blossom into an adequate goalkeeper one day, as we speak right now, he’s hopelessly out of his depth. That puzzled look across his face is indicative of the actions his feet produce.

Mat Ryan, the reliable number two acquired, is injured, and the Arsenal old guard will come face-to-face with the Arsenal former guard.

Leno is allowed an error. All players are. This is far from his first, albeit first this season, but instead of setting the stage for an exciting young goalkeeper to puff his chest out, it’s a trap door without a safety mat.

Quick, everyone write about how good Martinez is. Maybe that will work.