Alex Runarsson was Mikel Arteta's choice for the cup match against Manchester City. The Icelandic Arsenal goalkeeper had a nightmare under the sticks, conceding four goals. But without a doubt the most criticized was his work in Mahrez's 1-2.
The goalkeeper made a glaring mistake in the Algerian free-kick. Despite being well placed, Runarsson was unable to repel the shot and it ended up entering the goal, an improper failure of a professional goalkeeper.
Mikel Arteta explained why he chose to play with Runarsson. “He hasn't played many games for us, he's just adjusting to the league,” he said after the game. “We all make mistakes and we have to support him.”
Arteta said Leno, the starting goalkeeper, needed a break. “He also needed to rest and we wanted to give opportunities to other players. Alex has done well in the other games and these things happen in football ”.