Arsenal fans go wild as third-choice goalkeeper Karl Hein saves FOUR penalties including Panenka in Lyon penalty shootout

ARSENAL’s third-choice goalkeeper Karl Hein was hailed as ‘the next best’ after four saves on penalties – including one against a Panenka.

Gunners fans chose the Estonian star after beating Lyon 3-0 in the Dubai Super Cup and earning an extra point for a 2-1 win on penalties.

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Some reactions on social media went a bit too far – like “best goalkeeper in the world”.

But the former Reading loanee, 20, could hardly have done more to stake his claim to a long-term future with the Emirates.

England backup stopper Aaron Ramsdale and US ace Matt Turner clearly remain Mikel Arteta’s first two options between the sticks.

But with those two absent ahead of their return to the Premier League for Christmas, Hein will be hoping to feature in Arsenal’s other Dubai Super Cup game against AC Milan on Tuesday.

And praise poured in for his performance on Thursday.

Delighted fans remarked on his “outstanding performance” and one added: “Distribution was great.”

A more complete view came with this:

“He actually played a decent game. Hopefully he develops well.”

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And since the Gunners were also impressive as a team, one supporter summed it up: “I liked him and the show.”

Before the penalty shoot-out, Arsenal scored all three goals in a smooth first half before Arteta brought on plenty of youngsters for the second half.

Gabriel Magalhaes headed the opener, Eddie Nketiah doubled the lead and Fabio Vieira’s powerful strike completed the goal.

But the penalties that followed were all about Hein.

He brilliantly thwarted ex-Gunners midfielder Jeff Reine-Adelaide, a blaster from Tete and Bradley Barcola’s efforts.

Then Hein made Rayan Cherki’s chipped penalty down the middle look silly – as he held his position down the middle and caught him easily.

However, Arsena’s penalties were nothing special either.

Marquinhos and Matt Smith sacked the first two – but Catalin Cirjan had saved his own Panenka.