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
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.
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.
The Forest faithful had kind words for Turner on the Twitter-sphere despite the defeat.
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.
