Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide his dismay at Bernd Leno after the German’s shocking mistake against Chelsea on Sunday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave the Gunners the lead on Arteta’s first home game in charge and Arsenal were six minutes away from a happy homecoming for the Spaniard.
However, Leno misjudged the flight of a Mason Mount free-kick and allowed Jorginho to tap-in a simple equaliser.
Thank you very much.#ARSCHE pic.twitter.com/vHFpDLkzOs
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 29, 2019
Tammy Abraham scored two minutes from time to give the visitors all three points but the damage was already done by Leno.
Arteta insisted afterwards that the squad must do all they can to ‘lift’ the German but the Spaniard was furious with Leno in the moment and SkySports cameras picked up his reaction to the mistake.
The Spaniard can be seen turning away from the pitch and he puts his head in his hands as his chances of a victory on his return to the Emirates slip away.
Leno has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers in their below-par campaign and his team-mates were quick to rally round the German after his costly error.
The likes of Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Dani Ceballos sent messages of support to Leno on Instagram, in a clear sign that there’s renewed unity in the Gunners’ dressing room.
Leno will have a chance to put it right on New Year’s Day when Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates.
Calum Chambers is likely to miss the game after sustaining a knee injury in the defeat to Chelsea.
