Keown's honest opinion on Leno conduct after BT Sport cameras catch him out

Martin Keown has defended Bernd Leno after he was caught sulking on the Arsenal bench against Leicester City.

The Gunners continued their revival with an impressive 2-0 win at the King Power as Aaron Ramsdale put in a man-of-the-match performance, including a world-class save from a James Maddison free-kick.

The keeper has vindicated Mikel Arteta's brave decision to give him the no.1 jersey ahead of Leno despite the German being one of Arsenal's most consistent performers in recent seasons.

Leno's future is up in the air with less than 18months left on his deal after he claimed that he was in the dark about losing the no.1 jersey.

And while Ramsdale was pulling off save after save against the Foxes, the BT Sport camera panned to Leno who looked demoralised on the bench.

Arsenal fans make Bernd Leno observation after BT Sport cameras focus on him

But former Arsenal defender Keown has leapt to the defence of the goalie as he insists it's healthy that he is upset about being frozen out of the side and the competition can only be a positive for the club.

He told Mirror Football: "You don't want players on the bench with smiling faces. I have to say I thought Leno was immensely professional in the game midweek against Leeds and showed really good character.

"You want two very good goalkeepers, do you not?

"You want to put one another under pressure and that's what I see, an honest fight for the jersey.

"That was an outstanding performance from Ramsdale, but Arsenal will want to minimise the shots that he had to face."

Ramsdale has endeared himself to the Emirates faithful and Keown praised the former Sheffield United man for his immediate impact at the club.

He said on punditry duty for BT Sport: "This man Ramsdale was really outstanding today. I think he likes being busy and there is a difference between the 'keeper who has to make the odd save here and there.

"Seven really good saves today but they way went after Leicester won the game for them today.

"He's relishing it isn't he. He's gone to a big club, two relegations so think about the mentality. You might've felt, 'was it too much for him?', but I think he's stood up, his character has been outstanding but when he was called upon today, really good saves."

Aaron Ramsdale put in a terrific performance to help Arsenal to victory

Arteta dismissed the notion that Leno was unaware of his decision to make Ramsdale the no.1 choice keeper.

The Spaniard said: "I had a very clear conversation with him 48 hours before I was going to make the decision. Obviously, any conversation I have with him is completely private and I'm not going to speak with any media about it.

"[I expect from him] the same that he's done every single day. Train the way he does, be the way he is, the person he is, the way he handles himself, and try to help the other keepers and the other keepers try to help him."

Martin Keown is an ambassador for McDonald's Fun Football programme ( Image:

McDonald's Fun Football programme)

Leno insists he is happy at Arsenal, however, and hasn't decided whether he will look to leave in January.

He said: "I'm not seriously thinking about that yet. I feel comfortable at Arsenal and in London.

"Only if nothing changes in my situation by winter would I have to think about things: what option do I have, how can I continue? I'm concentrating on my work in training. I can't commit to anything else at the moment."

Martin Keown is an ambassador for McDonald's Fun Football programme. Go to mcdonalds.co.uk/football for fun video challenges you can recreate at home to keep your kids active.

Promoting the Fun Football Hub McDonald's Fun Football, Keown said: "I'm a visual learner and I would've loved to have had this hub back when I was young. Theaount of children who are inspired watching players like Saka and wondering how they can copy them at home can now access the hub and try out their new skills in their living room."