I think it was pretty clear to see that Alex Runarsson wasn’t up to the task of giving Bernd Leno some strong competition in this Arsenal team, the Iceland international did have some big boots to fill after the departure of Emi Martinez in the summer.
Runarsson has played five games this season, conceding 7 goals whilst making some costly mistakes along the way too.
His performances along with Matt Macey’s permanent move to Hibernian was enough for Edu and Arteta to come to the conclusion that they needed to dip into the market for a new Goalkeeper this month.
A few names had been mentioned, including Newcastle’s Freddie Woodman and Barcelona’s Neto, but it was Brighton’s Mat Ryan who the club opted for, with the Australian International joining on loan until the end of the season.
The announcement of Ryan came as a bit of a surprise to the Arsenal supporters, there was no media talk of the 28-year-old heading to the Emirates, but it was a deal which was welcomed by the fanbase.
Speaking about the transfer, Technical Director Edu said: “Mat is an experienced goalkeeper, a proven talent in the Premier League and has also played many internationals for Australia. Mat will further strengthen our squad with his experience and knowledge of playing at the highest level.”
He added: “Following Matt Macey’s recent move to Hibernian, Mat will provide very good competition and positive support to all our goalkeepers and we are looking forward to him integrating quickly into the set-up here at Arsenal.”
I decided to get in touch with French Football Writer Jeremy Smith, who is also a huge Brighton fan. Jeremy discusses Ryan’s time at the Seagulls, where it went wrong for him this season, how he thinks he’ll do at Arsenal and much more. Enjoy the read!
Mat Ryan – Via Arsenal.com
“Ryan has generally been excellent since he joined. Very good shot-stopper, quick off his line, good distribution. Also fantastic with the fans (always staying behind to sign autographs, do selfies etc) – and a fans’ favourite for his pitch-long sprints to join goal celebrations.”
“Main issue is his relative lack of height for a keeper which meant that he was never sufficiently authoritative or convincing enough at set pieces (I often think this has been a little overblown just because of his height – a bit like gooner friends of mine who were never convinced about Ospina just because he wasn’t tall enough for their liking. Should also add that Potter had a terrible record of goals conceded from set pieces when he was at Swansea too.)”
“Anyways, this season his form has really fallen off. Not making enough matchwinning saves but also losing form in terms of run of the mill saves – he was worst alongside Pickford in terms of xGOT (evaluates how good the shot on target faced was vs goals conceded) – basically, at the end if felt like pretty much any shot against us went in.”
“Rumours were that the defence had lost faith/confidence in him.
But also – Maupay was dropped for a match earlier this season after a changing room bust-up with another player and there are strong rumours that it was with Ryan (fighting with Maupay might be something that endears him to Arsenal fans!).”
“All this – along with Sanchez impressing in training and then when given his chance – means that he has lost his place but also, surprisingly dropping out of the squad.”
“Potter would say that a different skill-set is needed to be a No.2. But it feels like there is more to it than that. Which is strange because he has always seemed a model pro until now.”
“This feels like a pretty good move all round. Shows confidence in Sanchez, takes some big wages off Brighton’s books and gives a dream move to a popular player. Sad way for it to end though because I do think he’s a strong keeper.”
“I guess that it just seems to happen quite often that when a keeper loses form, it’s tough for them to regain it – especially at the same club, once they’ve lost the confidence of their defence.”
“All in all, top guy, very good keeper. I think a really good guy for Arsenal No.2. Certainly better than Runarsson anyways – but could have told you that when you signed him!”
For me, there’s two very important points to take away from what Jeremy had to say. One being that during his time at Brighton, Mat Ryan has done very well and he put in some solid performances 99% of the time.
Despite having a rocky 2020/21 season due to various reasons, I strongly believe we’ve recruited a very good Goalkeeper who has a point to prove.
The second is what Jeremy touched on at the end, Ryan is “certainly better” than Runarsson. Arsenal aren’t wanting a world class no.2, but someone who can come in and provide strong competition for the current no.1, someone they can rely on when the squad is rotated or there is an injury.
With all due respect, you never really had that feeling of security and reassurance with Alex between the sticks, and Arsenal aren’t currently in a position where they can take risks in such an important area of the pitch.
Overall, I’m pleased with the addition of Ryan and I think he is a much stronger back-up choice to have. He’s very experienced and is already adapted to Premier League football.
Being a boyhood Arsenal fan, I have no doubt that he will work hard and give everything he can to help the club.
Let’s hope it works out for him here and then who knows, he may end up joining permanently!
A big thank you to Jeremy for taking the time to give all of us an insight into Mat Ryan. You can follow Jeremy on Twitter by clicking here.
COYG