Mikel Arteta's post-match remarks highlighted the kind of complete unity Arsenal currently boast within their ranks as the Spaniard admitted Aaron Ramsdale was only present to support Bernd Leno.
The 23-year-old former Sheffield United goalkeeper has been nothing short of a revelation since he was brought in from Bramall Lane last summer. Ramsdale took little time in cementing himself as the club's sure-fire No.1, dislodging respected Germany international Leno in the process as Arsenal have reaped the benefits of Ramsdale's superior ability with the ball at his feet.
Arsenal's No.1 this term was ruled out of the game against Steven Gerrard's side with a hip injury that he sustained during the defeat by Liverpool last Wednesday. Footage circulated on social media before the game that showed Ramsdale on the team bus en route to the ground, sparking speculation he would be fit to play.
However, once the starting line-up was announced it was confirmed Ramsdale was not in the matchday squad. Leno returned to take his place between the sticks for the first time in the Premier League since the 5-0 drubbing at the Etihad on August 24.
Having signed for the club in August, Ramsdale sat out defeats by Chelsea and Manchester City before being introduced for his debut in the 1-0 win over Norwich in early September and has barely looked back. With that in mind, it would be somewhat understandable if there was a certain amount of competitive tension between the pair given Leno's lack of playing time.
The scenes witnessed after the resilient showing at Villa Park would show that nothing could be further from the truth as Ramsdale was one of the first players to embrace Leno after the German pulled off a stellar stop in the closing moments of the game to retain Arsenal's lead. The chemistry between the two 'keepers was clear for all to see and prompted Arteta to shed some light on their relationship after the match.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Arsenal finish in the top four this season? Comment below
"He [Ramsdale] wasn’t comfortable in the last 50 minutes against Liverpool," said Arteta. "He wanted to be here to support Bernd [Leno] which tells you about a lot of things behind the scenes." And it is that kind of team spirit undoubtedly helping Arsenal in their quest for top-four this term.
While Leno performed to the kind of standard required against Villa, he should be under no illusions about regaining his place as Arsenal's No.1. The 30-year-old is unlikely to play much more of a role when Ramsdale returns and is thought to be exploring potential options elsewhere.
Arteta praised his deputy keeper for the way he has conducted himself during a season that has seen him earn far less minutes than he is otherwise used to. Omitted from the most recent Germany squad, Leno will know better than anyone that an Arsenal departure is now probably the thing most likely to kickstart a stuttering career.
