Aaron Ramsdale returned to the Arsenal starting XI in the Premier League for the first time since November against Brentford on Saturday.
With David Raya ineligible to play for Arsenal against Brentford, Mikel Arteta was forced to call upon Aaron Ramsdale.
For much of the first half, Ramsdale looked relatively comfortable between the sticks, though it is fair to say that the Bees weren’t really able to test the Arsenal goalkeeper in the opening period.
However, disaster struck for the 25-year-old shot-stopper in added-on time at the end of the first half. After Declan Rice had put Arsenal 1-0 up, Arteta’s side looked set to cruise into the break with the lead, but then Ramsdale lingered on the ball, allowing Yoane Wissa time to close him down. The Brentford striker was able to block Ramsdale’s attempted clearance, deflecting the ball into the back of the Arsenal net.
Much was made of Arteta’s decision to drop Ramsdale earlier on this season. The Arsenal fans have not always been entirely enamoured with Raya this season, either. The Spaniard is clearly Arteta’s first choice now, though, and Ramsdale may well never make another appearance for Arsenal after today’s clash with Brentford.
Ramsdale was only called upon this weekend as Raya cannot be selected to play against his parent club, as he is currently on loan at Arsenal from Brentford.
Arsenal fans have say on Aaron Ramsdale after win v Brentford
Fortunately, he was able to redeem himself in the second half. Ramdale made a couple of good saves, and was always safety-first with his distribution. Ultimately his error did not cost the Gunners either, as Kai Havertz was able to find a late winner, sending the north London club to the top of the Premier League table.
After the match, plenty of Arsenal fans took to X to give their verdict on Ramsdale. One supporter said, “Special shout from me goes to Ramsdale. Equalizer was fully on him but he stepped up big second half. We’ve seen a future without him but today he helped immensely.”
Another fan stated, “Aaron Ramsdale didn’t deserve to exit the club with that mistake being a defining memory. Happy for him.” Another chipped in with, “credit where it’s due. He looked a lot more convincing in the second half.”
One fan said, “He repaid for his mistake in the second half with two vitals saves.” Another claimed, “Haters so quick to jump on him. Show me a player who’s never made a mistake. His recovery was the measure of the man.”
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