Arsenal second-choice goalkeeper Matt Turner has sent Gunners boss Mikel Arteta a timely reminder of his ability after his heroics helped the USMNT progress to the Gold Cup semi-finals.
The shot-stopper has had a busy summer on the back of his first season in the Premier League. Turner made only seven appearances for Arsenal, keeping four clean sheets. Five of his appearances came in the Europa League with the other two coming in the FA Cup.
Since the 2022/23 season concluded, Turner has helped the United States win the CONCACAF Nations League with two clean sheets against Mexico and Canada before missing only one of their Gold Cup fixtures.
Aaron Ramsdale is the Gunners' first-choice, limiting Turner's minutes in England after signing from New England Revolution last summer. The England goalkeeper enjoyed another superb season with Arsenal, keeping 15 clean sheets in 41 games with a string of world-class saves.
His displays last season saw him be rewarded with a new contract at the Emirates Stadium while also becoming Europe's most valuable goalkeeper at £67.4 million ($86.3m) - more than Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alisson and Diogo Costa.
However, with Champions League football returning to North London, Ramsdale's workload may be eased next season with Arsenal aiming to compete in all competitions. Fortunately for Arteta, Turner has proved, once again, his capabilities when needed.
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Turner was the USA’s saviour in their Gold Cup quarter-final against Canada overnight with two penalty-kick shootout saves to deny Steven Vitoria and Liam Fraser. After the game, it emerged that Turner told his teammates not to worry when the game finished level.
"He had the last word before we went out to the field," USMNT interim coach B.J Callaghan said. "It's encouraging the guys to stay calm, stay committed to what they've practised."
Turner has now saved 14 of his 29 penalties faced throughout his career, an impressive record. His performances in North America come as a well-timed reminder for Arteta ahead of a busy 2023/24 season.
Ramsdale, of course, will continue to be the number one choice at Arsenal, but Turner's displays for the United States hands Arteta an assurance of his quality when called upon. It's likely that Ramsdale will feature in the Premier League and Champions League, leaving Turner with the responsibility between the sticks in the EFL Cup and FA Cup.
