ARSENAL third-choice keeper Karl Hein was hailed as “the next best thing” after four shootout penalty saves – including from a Panenka.
Gunners’ fans singled out the Estonia star following a 3-0 win over Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup and an extra point for a 2-1 shootout victory.
AFPEstonia keeper Karl Hein pulls off one of his four shootout saves[/caption]
Stopper Hein spent the second half of last season on loan at ReadingGetty
Some responses on social media went a bit far – such as “best goalkeeper in the world”.
But the ex-Reading loanee, 20, could hardly have done more to stake his claim for a long-term future at the Emirates.
England back-up stopper Aaron Ramsdale and USA ace Matt Turner clearly remain Mikel Arteta’s first two options between the sticks.
But with those two absent ahead of the Premier League return at Christmas, Hein hopes to play in Arsenal’s other Dubai Super Cup game, against AC Milan on Tuesday.
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And praise poured in for his display on Thursday.
Excited fans noted his “excellent performance” and one added: “Distribution was top.”
A fuller view came with this:
“He actually had a decent game. Hopefully he keeps developing well.”
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And with the Gunners also impressing as a team, one supporter summed up: “I liked him and the display.”
Ahead of the shootout, Arsenal bagged all three goals in a slick first half before Arteta brought on many youngsters for the second period.
Gabriel Magalhaes headed the opener, Eddie Nketiah doubled the lead and Fabio Vieira’s stunner completed the scoring.
But the ensuing penalties were all about Hein.
He brilliantly thwarted ex-Gunners midfielder Jeff Reine-Adelaide, a blaster from Tete and Bradley Barcola’s effort.
Then Hein made Rayan Cherki’s chipped spot-kick down the middle look silly – as he held his position in the centre and easily caught it.
Arsena’s penalties, however, weren’t too special either.
Marquinhos and Matt Smith bagged the first two – but Catalin Cirjan had his own Panenka saved.