Aaron Ramsdale received a warm welcome upon his return to Arsenal this afternoon.
Arsenal were able to beat Southampton 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in a Premier League clash.
After the Saints took a lead against the run of play after the break, Mikel Arteta’s side hit back with goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka.
There was little that goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale could do about any of the goals that he conceded, and overall he acquitted himself well upon his return to North London.
Having fallen behind David Raya in the pecking order last season, Ramsdale was sold by Arsenal in the most recent summer transfer window, allowing him to enjoy regular game time once again with the south coast club.
However, the England international remains a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s exchange with Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale was moved to tears by the ovation he was given by the home supporters as he took to the field, and his name was sung by the Arsenal faithful at times throughout the match.
In his press conference after the match, as shared by HaytersTV, Arteta was asked if he’d managed to interact with the former Arsenal shot-stopper at all after the final whistle.
The Spanish coach said: “I wished him all the best, congratulate him for the way that they played as well. I wish him the best, and I hope they [Southampton] do [well], especially for the manager and Aaron as well because they are a very good side.”
Ramsdale may well feel that he has now had some closure on his time with the Gunners. Having spent the vast majority of last season on the bench, he has now been able to return to the Emirates Stadium, play a game, and say goodbye to the Arsenal fans properly.
Arsenal right to show faith in David Raya
Whilst Ramsdale has proven himself to be a fine goalkeeper, Raya has gone up a level this season, partly due to the fact that the 26-year-old is no longer at the club.
Without the distraction of Ramsdale’s presence, Raya is now Arsenal’s established and undisputed No. 1, and the Spaniard appears to have taken huge confidence from holding such status within the club.
The form that the Euro 2024 winner has produced so far this season has entirely justified Arteta’s decision to back him at the expense of Ramsdale.
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