Ian Wright hails one Arsenal star for ‘fantastic’ performance in Liverpool defeat

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Arsenal fell to yet another defeat as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Liverpool, but there were positives to take from the performance.

Mikel Arteta made several changes and Arsenal dominated the game, but could not finish their chances and were punished by the visitors.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale came in for a rare appearance, having been dropped for summer signing David Raya. The England International is a popular figure at the Emirates, and it was his first appearance on home turf since a victory over Manchester United in September.

Despite the loss, Ramsdale played well, delivering some superb long passes whilst also saving well from a Luis Diaz shot, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright has now praised him.

Ian Wright praises Aaron Ramsdale for Liverpool display

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, the former striker praised Ramsdale for the way he performed in the defeat after such a long period out of the team, and for an early long pass which found Reiss Nelson to create a chance.

“It was a fantastic pass from Ramsdale, who I’ve got to say, really pleased to see Ramsdale having such a good game. Really played well today,” Wright stated after the game.

Ramsdale made two saves from three shots on target, as one of Liverpool’s goals came from an own goal from Jakub Kiwior.

He also completed 15 passes, and four long balls, with his delivery to Nelson creating a chance which the winger failed to finish.

Should Ramsdale keep his place in the Arsenal team?

Raya now appears to be the number one option, despite Arteta previously claiming that both players would battle for their starting spot.

The Spaniard has made several high-profile errors over the season, but kept his place. In recent weeks, his performances have been solid despite Arsenal’s inability to keep clean sheets, and perhaps does not deserve to be dropped.

However, Ramsdale also arguably deserved to keep his place when he came out of the team for Raya, and having been handed an opportunity in the cup, he looked back to his best, and the Emirates crowd responded well to his return to the side.

If Ramsdale is dropped again for Arsenal’s upcoming game against Crystal Palace, it may confirm that he has no long-term future at the club, and is fully cemented as the backup option within the squad, and he may be a candidate for a January sale to boost the club’s finances.