Arsenal won 2-1 vs. Forest on Saturday but it was a decent first EPL game for the United States men’s national team No. 1 goalkeeper, Matt Turner.
Turner never made an appearance for Arsenal in the Premier League last season. It was only fitting that after making a $9 million transfer to Nottingham Forest his first opponent in his first EPL start was his former club.
His big highlight came in the 76th minute when he denied a powerful shot from Declan Rice. The shot took a deflection on its way toward goal, but Turner was still able to push the ball onto the post and out for a corner kick.
Matt Turner save vs Arsenal
MATT TURNER SAVE Garden State's Finest gets low and deals with deflection to keep Forest in it. pic.twitter.com/act6Be5CbD
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 12, 2023
Turner finished the game with five saves and a higher rating than his Arsenal counterpart and former teammate, Aaron Ramsdale, according to FotMob.
There wasn’t much the 29-year-old American could do about the two goals Arsenal scored. The first from Eddie Nketiah was assisted beautifully by Gabriel Martinelli and took a deflection on the way in.
BRILLIANT skill from Gabriel Martinelli to set up Eddie Nketiah’s goal! #AFC
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 12, 2023
You’ll be hard pressed to find any goalkeeper saving Arsenal’s second goal as Bukayo Saka scored a screamer six minutes after Nketiah’s goal.
There's nothing like a BANGER from Bukayo Saka! pic.twitter.com/OFv20KvXjV
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 12, 2023
The Forest faithful had kind words for Turner on the Twitter-sphere despite the defeat.
Matt Turner:
Blameless for either goal conceded today. Turner saved five shots, had good distribution and was comfortable between the sticks—a very good debut and kept us in the game. #NFFC #USMNT pic.twitter.com/StDnQFBoy3— Pierce Bramwell (@PierceBramwell) August 12, 2023
Felt very comfortable with Matt Turner today. Made some big saves. Looked very confident. Got us out from the back with speed when necessary.
Great signing, don’t need to panic about buying a goalkeeper now. Very impressive on his debut. #NFFC pic.twitter.com/FPmpbkDAWc— Callum Castel (@callumcasteln) August 12, 2023
It was good to see Matt Turner play his first game for Nottingham Forest
He was pretty decent with a good distribition #NFFC pic.twitter.com/n9Ive9nTJx— Forest Watch (@ForestWatch_) August 12, 2023
Playing away to Arsenal in your debut is a tall task and it’s safe to say Turner belongs here. His next game should be easier as Forest host Sheffield United on Friday, Aug. 18 at 2:45 p.m. ET.
