Mikel Arteta Hold Back On Bernd Leno Criticism After Emirates Howler

If there was one player who felt the most guilty about Arsenal’s 1-2 defeat to Chelsea, it was Bernd Leno.

The German shotstopper, who has been outstanding for Arsenal this season made a costly error on Sunday night.

Arsenal were leading 1-0 before one of their freekicks near the left corner flag. Mason Mount curled in a delivery, forcing Leno to come out of his lines to knock the ball away. Unfortunately, he mistimed his run and could not jump high enough to meet the ball with his knuckles. It fell conviniently in front of Jorginho, who had no trouble guiding it in for an easy equalizer.

Leno looked in utter dismay after the game, especially after Chelsea stole all three points late into the game. He took to social media and wrote, “Very tough day today but I have to look forward.

Arteta refused to criticise Leno but instead, revealed how it is his duty to cheer him back up. He said, “Bernd will be down but it’s our job to lift him. He’s done a really good job since he arrived here.

“We have to respect what he’s done at the club and get him back on board. I blame my team. We are responsible for everything we did wrong on that football pitch.”