Arsenal: 4 summer transfer priorities ranked

= 1. Goalkeeper

Such is the state of this squad that two positions are ranked as the top need. Both the striker and goalkeeping positions are alarming. Bernd Leno was atrocious on the night. His positioning needs questioning for the first goal as he was beaten on his near post: the strike was quick and accurate but Leno should react far quicker. Putting aside this error, even more egregious was the concession of the second goal.

Arsenal showed a remarkable improvement in their defending of set pieces last season. The defense was solid and organized, with the combination of man and zonal marking proving to be effective with aerially imposing defenders. The defending against dead ball situations has suffered greatly both in pre-season and this trend has continued into the season. Andreas Georgson, we’re sorry.

Brentford players were left open on the back post, easily heading the ball into an open net. Yet replays of the goal showed something far more concerning. As the broadcast continued to show different angles, an infraction was easy to spot. A Brentford player had pressed against Leno, wrapped his arms around the German keeper and pinned him, rendering him useless.

After the goal was scored, Leno raised his arms to protest but that is all. The goalkeeping position is one that requires discipline, focus and, most importantly, confidence. It requires the command to marshal your defense. It requires the confidence to fight through contact. It requires the confidence to be aggressive. Instead of attempting to push the opposition player, create space and play the ball, Leno stands there, letting himself be pinned.

There is no aggression after conceding. Arsenal teams of old would have stormed up to the referee. In the modern age, that would be demanding him to consult VAR. Teammates would be surrounding the official, protesting, fighting for every call. The best teams have shown an intelligence not just on the ball, but in how they approach every single aspect of the game, even when it means putting immense pressure on the officials.

The lack of confidence Leno showed has only raised more questions about his continued involvement at the club.

Ability-wise, he has no quality in his play on the ball. If he isn’t inviting terrifying pressure on his defenders, hes’ hoofing it long into no-man’s land. Leno’s usually reliable shot stopping has deteriorated as well.