Arsenal made it two wins out of two in the Europa League group stage match with a 2-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night. The Norwegian side were kept out for the first time in this year’s competition thanks to a clean sheet from deputy goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Having arrived in the summer from New England Revolution, the United States Men’s National Team first choice stopper has been playing second fiddle to Arsenal number one Aaron Ramsdale. With the former Sheffield United man in between the sticks for the Premier League games, Turner has so far been given the chance to play in the European competition.
Whilst the likes of Bodo/Glimt, FC Zurich and PSV give Arsenal just a taste of the challenge in this year’s competition, should the club progress to the knockout rounds tougher opponents will surely await.
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The last two times Arsenal were in the Europa League, Mikel Arteta brought Bernd Leno, who was at the time the club’s first-choice keeper, in for the knockout games. Whether or not Ramsdale faces the same treatment remains to be seen.
football.london spoke to Turner after the win on Thursday. Asked whether he had been given any assurances by Arteta that he would keep his place in the knockout rounds should Arsenal progress, he quickly revealed this wasn’t the case.
“There’s no guarantees in this sport,” Turner said. “No guarantees.
“I’m going to take my games one at a time. Whenever I step out onto the pitch, I’m going to give it my all like I always do. Hopefully, that results in more consistent playing time.”
Pushed whether the same goes for Ramsdale regarding no guarantees being given, Turner maintained he was chasing the England international but that respect was maintained between the pair. He said: “I think he knows I’m nipping at his heels, but we have such a respect for each other, he’s very happy for me to get a clean sheet and to play well, for me the same.
“When he makes a big play, I’m always happy. We’re team first guys; it creates a great working environment and I look forward to getting into training every day.”
Turner’s next opportunity to play will likely be in the away trip to Norway. Arsenal will travel to Bodo/Glimt and play on an artificial pitch which will provide a different environment to what the Gunners have been used to.
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