Matt Turner’s good run of form continued Thursday, as he helped Arsenal to a shutout victory in the Europa League.
Mikel Arteta gave the U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper a third start in continental competition, and Turner helped Arsenal to a 1-0 away win over Bodø/Glimt. That broke a 14-game home winning streak in European competition for the Norwegian club, and puts Arsenal on the brink of advancing from their group.
Turner only had to make one save in a game that was largely a tactical stalemate, but he did have to intercept numerous through balls and help organize a defense that was under pressure in the second half. Bodø/Glimt forced Arsenal to do plenty of defensive work and clock management — Turner himself was booked for time-wasting in stoppage time — but ultimately the Gunners navigated the challenge.
The victory keeps Arsenal’s superb start to the season rolling along. They’ve won 11 of their 12 competitive games this year, and a single point in any of their remaining three Europa League matches will seal a spot in the next round.
Arteta praises Turner
Following the match, Arteta told reporters that he’s seeing the improvement the club had hoped for after making a summer move to acquire him from the New England Revolution.
“He’s getting better, obviously we’re asking him different things from what other managers have asked him to do,” said Arteta. “He was much better in the first half than in the second half in my opinion we could have had some more control. But I think he was really good in the goal in situations especially when defending the area in behind the center halves and in the one against one situations, he was really good.”
Asked directly if he’d have enough confidence to start Turner in the Premier League, Arteta gave a clear, simple answer: “Yes.” Aaron Ramsdale remains first choice, though, and barring injury it seems likely that Turner’s next appearances will remain in the Europa League and cup competition.
Still, Turner will have an opening for a regular run of matches in the near future. Arsenal will host PSV next Thursday, October 20, before playing them in the Netherlands one week later. They then conclude their Group A schedule with FC Zürich coming to the Emirates on November 3, and six days later, they will host Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
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