‘Not for the top four’ – Arsenal legend criticises key Arteta call
Tony Adams has criticised Mikel Arteta’s decision to sell Emiliano Martinez and reinstate Bernd Leno as No.1, as he’s not good enough for a top-four team.
Martinez was superb as he filled in for the injured Leno last season, and has since made a £17million move to Aston Villa, keeping two clean sheets in his opening two games.
And Adams claims allowing Martinez to leave was a big mistake.
“Martinez was incredible in their cup run. He was absolutely sensational,” he told Astro SuperSport.
“And I do like big ones and what Leno does struggle with, for me, is crosses and stuff.
“But it isn’t about me. Arteta’s gone, ‘No, Leno is my number one, I like him’ and he’s put all his faith in him.
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“But I don’t believe that he’s a top-four goalkeeper, for me.
“Martinez, it was coincidence, everything fell into place for Arsenal in the cup competition last year, it was like it was written in the stars.
“This goalkeeper comes in – been at the club for 10 years and not played 10 games – and he stops everything! He was a man possessed, he was absolutely incredible.
“And for me he was the number one. Now you’ve made the opportunity, you’ve got experience, go okay, yep.
“But Arteta’s the man and he’s chosen a different goalkeeper.”
Leno played well against Liverpool despite conceding three as Arsenal lost 3-1, making a number of crucial saves to keep his side in the game.