Mikel Arteta has called for supporters to back goalkeeper Bernd Leno despite his mistake against Chelsea.
The goalkeeper completely misjudged the flight of a free-kick and his error allowed Jorginho to tap home from close range and equalise for Chelsea in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against the Blues.
And following the mistake, Arteta believes it is the job of everyone associated with the club to support Leno and “lift him” ahead of the New Year’s Day clash with Manchester United.
Twitter: 🗣 @m8arteta: “Bernd will be down but it’s our job to lift him. He’s done a really good job since he arrived here.”… https://t.co/wZd2vDW2JQ (@Arsenal)
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Arteta’s public backing of Leno following his error is the perfect response, despite the incident being one of the factor’s which cost Arsenal the win against Chelsea.
Not only does it show to Leno how important he still is to the manager, but it ensures supporters do not get on his back.
The shot-stopper has been one of Arsenal’s best and most consistent performers this season, and the mistake against Chelsea was hugely uncharacteristic.
