Arsenal F.C. has had a delightful Premier League season so far. With 30 points in 13 matches, Mikel Arteta’s men have occupied the leading position in the League table. It is evident that Arteta’s men have been enjoying their time at Arsenal. However, the same can’t be said for their goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale.
The No. 1 goalkeeper from last season has found it difficult to start matches this season. With the signing of David Raya, Ramsdale has been pushed to the bench by Arteta. Despite this change, it appears that the Arsenal team holds a high regard for the English player.
Arsenal signed David Raya on loan from Brentford in the summer as a competition for Ramsdale. However, it is evident that Raya has won that battle since he has become the starting choice of goalkeeper for Arteta.
Arsenal came face-to-face with Brentford in the league on Saturday. However, there was a change in the goalkeeper position. Raya’s loan deal prevents him from playing against his former team. As a result, Ramsdale got a rare start in Mikel Arteta’s line-up since September.
However, Ramsdale’s start to the game was a bit wobbly. Early in the game, the 25-year-old showed signs of incompetency. But thanks to Declan Rice, he managed to finish the 1st half with a clean sheet. Ramsdale gradually gained confidence in the match delivering a much better performance in the later half. The Gunners bagged all three points from the game after Kai Havertz’s 89th-minute header.
Ramsdale managed to hold on to a clean sheet for Arsenal. After the final whistle, all the Arsenal players were seen surrounding and congratulating him for the game. The players were seen hugging him before the Englishmen eventually broke out a smile. Even Arteta was seen embracing and congratulating the player.
It was evident that his teammates still held the goalkeeper in high regard. However, it would have taken him more than just a clean sheet to impress Arteta. Ramsdale looked rusty and short on confidence in the game. This performance would not have made Mikel Arteta doubt his decision to make David Raya his primary goalkeeper. It won’t be a surprise if Arteta went back to his default for the next game.
If anything, Saturday only added to the feeling that Ramsdale is surely heading for the exit door at some stage because of the unsustainable current situation. In this context, the Arsenal team’s congratulatory gesture towards their goalkeeper is quite self-explanatory. Fans on X seem to be quite confirmed about the goalkeeper’s exit. They have taunted this gesture from the team highlighting Ramsdale’s reception before he goes back to warm the bench from the next game.
“This is the human equivalent of giving your dog the best day of its life when you know it’s being put to sleep the day after,” Taunted a user.
“This is a bit like when the special kid gets star of the week for not eating 10 glue sticks in primary school,” quipped another.
“This is literally what my coworkers done for me when they knew I was getting fired’. Commented another.
However, it seems that Ramsdale had been delighted by the response from the team. Ramsdale shared his gratification with Arsenal fans and thanked them for their backing.
“A feeling I never take for granted,” Ramsdale posted on Instagram. “Love being part of this club. Fans were next level last night looking out for me. Thank you”
It seems that there is surely no love lost between the Arsenal fans and Ramsdale. Following that heartfelt gesture, supporters have also praised their team’s brotherhood on social media.
However, Arteta is a tough nut to crack. Even after congratulating Ramsdale and supporting his courage, it appears that Raya has secured the starting role for the foreseeable future. If fans are to believe, the Gunners will surely trigger the permanent buying option for Raya.
As a result, Ramsdale may be forced to seek a solution away from the Emirates in January. With the 25-year-old eagerly waiting for another opportunity to get back in action in front of the supporters, it will be interesting to see how many chances can he get in “between the sticks” for Arsenal. However, it is certain that Ramsdale still holds a special place in the hearts of Arsenal players and fans alike.
