I know many will disagree, but I think we may have let go the wrong goalkeeper last summer.
Leno is a superstar shot-stopper, but I'm not sure he fares well in a comparison with Martinez in every other aspect of goalkeeping. And with what Arteta is trying to do with playing out from the back, there is unquestionably a gulf between the two in their use of the ball. Leno's kicking is solid, but he doesn't see the right pass quickly enough, or at all quite often. He also lacks confidence and imagination and I think that limits how effective we are at drawing teams onto us and then playing around them. Many say opponents have wised up and that's why we don't score those back to front goals any more, but I think Martinez's cool, technique and confidence played a big part. I also really like Martinez's commanding authority in the box, especially when high balls come in. Leno is no better than average in this area.
Martinez still had a lot to prove 6 months ago, but by all accounts he has carried his Arsenal form to the midlands. I think Arteta got this one wrong. I'm actually quite sad about it.
So, my wish is we bring back Martinez next summer, however unrealistic that is. And that is partly to do with my belief that Leno, despite his brilliance at shot-stopping, is actually a little bit of a liability at most everything else.
