‘I didn’t understand’: PL star now criticises Arteta for his treatment of ‘very good’ Arsenal star

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There has been intense scrutiny over Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale since he was dropped from the starting XI last week, and former Gunner Bernd Leno has now criticised Mikel Arteta’s decision.

The German international was Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper prior to Ramsdale’s arrival and like the Englishman, he was dropped from the starting XI despite performing fairly well.

Leno then moved to Fulham after losing his place, with Ramsdale becoming the first choice option, and he has now drawn parallels between Ramsdale’s current situation and his own in his final year at the club.

Speaking to The Times, Leno claimed that he did not understand why he was dropped from the lineup two years ago, and that Ramsdale is now in a similar situation under Mikel Arteta.

“At the start of the 2021 season, we lost the first three games and after the international break all of a sudden it was, ‘We need to change players and have positive energy,’” Leno stated.

“There were a couple of excuses I didn’t understand and I have to say, unfortunately, it’s more or less the same with Ramsdale.

“It has happened [again] after the international break. I was thinking: ‘That’s more or less the same as with me.’ I was thinking about Aaron, he’s a very good guy. I know how he feels, there are some similarities.”

Harsh but justified?

Despite initial scepticism over Ramsdale replacing Leno, the Englishman was an instant hit in North London and helped the team progress given his superior ability on the ball to the 31-year-old.

Many were surprised that someone as good as Leno was dropped, as the German was an excellent servant for Arsenal before Ramsdale arrived.

Even though Leno is still perhaps the better shot-stopper, Ramsdale’s ability with his feet made him much more suitable to Arteta’s style, which meant that his decision to bring him in was ultimately justified.

Whilst it is early days for David Raya, perhaps he has been brought in for the same reason as Ramsdale was two years ago, in that he can upgrade on an already strong position within the team.

Arteta has emphasised that Ramsdale will still have a part to play, but if Raya ultimately proves to be an upgrade on him, then the decision will be justified, despite being very harsh on the Englishman.