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Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes Arsenal made the wrong decision in allowing Bernd Leno to leave the club last summer. The Englishman also claimed that the German shot-stopper is a better goalkeeper than the Gunners' current No.1, Aaron Ramsdale.
Cascarino said on talkSPORT:
"This one is a little more controversial, [but], I think, Leno was a big mistake for Arsenal to let go. I thought Leno was a better keeper than Ramsdale. Now, a lot of people may disagree with me, but I didn't think there was a lot to choose from. I thought they were very close [in terms of] level. Leno has had a terrific season for Fulham."
Leno left the Emirates ahead of the 2022/23 campaign after Ramsdale became Mikel Arteta's preferred choice for the position. The German international featured in just four Premier League encounters for Arsenal during the 2021/22 season, while the Englishman made 34 league appearances.
Fulham signed the former Gunners keeper for an initial £3 million deal that could rise up to £8 million. Leno has been the main man between the posts for Fulham this season, maintaining eight clean sheets in 35 Premier League appearances.
Meanwhile, Ramsdale has also been in great form for Arsenal this term. The England international has started and played out to completion every single one of his side's league encounters this season.
Ramsdale has managed to record 13 clean sheets for the Gunners this term.
"We just couldn’t find a way through" - Arsenal goalkeeper shares thoughts on Nottingham Forest loss and Manchester City securing the title
Arsenal suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest in a title-deciding league encounter on Saturday (20 May) at the City Ground.
Speaking after the loss, Ramsdale was understandably upset, considering his side's stellar form this season. The England international said after the match (via The Mirror):
“It’s hard. All the hard work over months has obviously come to an end today and that’s really difficult. We just couldn’t find a way through today. Credit to Forest – they know what they needed to do. They got their goal and defended really well. We just struggled to break that down. It’s a disappointing day, a disappointing end.”
He added on the title race against the English champions:
"We know that [we’ve pushed City hard]. Deep down we know what we’ve achieved. I think when the dust settles we will be proud. But it’s just the way it’s happened, it’s a similar taste to last year as well, so it’s another learning curve for us. But, yeah, when we look back it will be a season to be proud of for Arsenal Football Club and a season to be proud of as players.”
The defeat saw league leaders Manchester City clinch the title as they are four points ahead of Mikel Arteta's side, who have only one game left to play this term.
