It’s time for Arsenal fans to respect Matt Turner

The United States drew 0-0 with England in the World Cup and a very interesting development from the match was the perception of Matt Turner.

Arsenal fans have always been divisive around the American keeper ever since it was announced that he’d join the club last January. There hasn’t ever been a good reason for the wariness around him other than the fact that he was coming from the MLS but any American could tell you that Arsenal were getting a really solid goalkeeper.

He had a shaky debut in pre-season against Nurnberg but since then he really hasn’t put a foot wrong, only concerning one goal in the Europa League and it was from a penalty. He’s been a solid number two for the Gunners in his short time in North London so why is it that now fans are starting to notice?

It’s time for Arsenal fans to respect Matt Turner

He played an excellent game against England, keeping a clean sheet against a team that scored six goals in their opening group stage fixture. The really impressive thing in the match was his distribution for the US. He looked comfortable and confident on the ball, with some great long passing as well, something that we didn’t see a whole lot of in the Europa League group stage. His shot-stopping was great but that has always been Turner’s strength.

I am really happy to see the perception switch around Turner, even if it is a little bit late. He has always been a fantastic player for the United States and was looking very likely to start in this World Cup and he’s showing up on the biggest stage. The reputation around American soccer and its players is slowly changing and hopefully, Arsenal fans will be more open about players from MLS, especially given that the other American bought in January, Austin Trusty, is playing really well in the Championship with Birmingham City.

It is great to see all Arsenal fans praising Turner after that match and hopefully, he can continue that great form.