It says something about the fickle nature of football that one mistake can change an opinion of a player among some. Aaron Ramsdale was culpable for making an error as Diogo Jota beat him at his near post on Wednesday night, but it’s worth remembering exactly how big an impact he’s made at Arsenal this season.
Ramsdale has statistically performed as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League this season, with only David De Gea and Jose Sa faring better when it comes to the goals they've prevented. “That looks for me like a problem,” said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher when asked about Jota’s goal. When the ball is struck he is still jumping into the air. When he lands he is reacting late and hasn’t got the strength to hold it out with his hand.”
Indeed, it proved to be a costly error as Arsenal went on to lose the game 2-0. Ramsdale was arguably guilty of being too far from his front post on the second goal, which allowed the cross to go through for Roberto Firmino.
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At 23-years-old, it’s easy to forget that Ramsdale does have his weaknesses although so far Arsenal supporters have become accustomed to his finger-tip saves and fluid distribution from the back. "Just about the only error I can recall Ramsdale making at @Arsenal,” tweeted Gary Lineker after the Liverpool game. Everyone makes them. It’s how you respond to them that counts.”
Arsenal received vast criticism from all angles after spending £30 million on Ramsdale last summer, but he has since gone on to keep 12 clean sheets in the Premier League and looks like potentially one of the signings of the season.
“He will be (frustrated), but this is part of the game,’” said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. "So is every time he’s saved us and every time he’s been phenomenal, and today he had some really good moments that helped us to do what we wanted to do in this game against Liverpool.”
football.london understands that the identification process behind signing a new goalkeeper last summer took into account various factors, one of which was the player’s character. Ramsdale's connection with the Arsenal supporters remains as strong as ever and he has transmitted a level of confidence to the rest of the team which has been seen in many of their Premier League games this season.
On Saturday, he comes up against a face Arteta will know well in Emi Martinez. The Argentine shot stopper who bowed out of Arsenal after winning the FA Cup has spoken several times about his departure from north London, and there is clearly a feeling of wanting to show the club that they made a ‘mistake’.
The game presents itself as another opportunity for Ramsdale to showcase his goalkeeping credentials, just days after being named in the England squad, and emphasise why the club were justified in their decision to sign the goalkeeper last summer.
