Arsenal fans slam ‘statue’ Matt Turner for goal as they wonder ‘how are we top’

Arsenal fans have ripped into goalkeeper Matt Turner after the American's gaffe allowed Sporting Lisbon back into their Europa League round of 16 clash.

The Gunners initially took the lead through William Saliba, who towered above his marker to nod home from a corner, but the tie was levelled a few minutes via an almost identical goal at the other end.

Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio rose highest to steer the ball past Turner, who could do little more than stand there like a lemon after being caught in no man's land.

READ MORE: Granit Xhaka at centre of 15-man melee after Saliba opens Arsenal scoring

"[Jakub] Kiwior not jumping and Turner being a statue … what a gift," one fan fumed on Twitter, while a second asked: "What on earth is Turner doing there? What was his plan?" before adding: "Such a stupid way to concede."

A third wrote: "I honestly wonder how we are top of the league and this far even in the Europa league with some of our defending this season. Shocking defending from Arsenal tonight."

Will Matt Turner ever challenge Aaron Ramsdale's place in the first team? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Another supporter joked: "I don’t quite know what’s worse; Matt Turner’s goalkeeping or the fact the BT Sport presenter keeps calling him ‘Ben’ Turner in the analysis."

Things got worse for Turner and Arsenal at the start of the second half, with the keeper palming Pedro Goncalves' shot into the path of centre forward Paulinho, who tapped home to put the Portuguese side in front, though the Gunners levelled soon after thanks to a Granit Xhaka shot which deflected in off Hidemasa Morita.

Turner joined Arsenal in the summer, arriving for around £7m from MLS side New England Revolution. He's yet to make a appearance for the team in the Premier League, but has rotated with Ramsdale in Europe.

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