Wayne Rooney has compared Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to former Manchester United shotstopper Peter Schmeichel for his recent performances. The England international has been called upon in many different occasions in recent weeks, including the huge clash with Liverpool.
Ramsdale made some key saves to ensure that the Gunners came out of the game with a point, but displays since have been questioned. Jarrod Bowen's equaliser for West Ham the week after saw the 24-year-old criticised for not stopping the shot, while there were even more eyes on the Southampton tie.
The goalkeeper had the ball in safe possession in the opening seconds of the game and tried to pass the ball into midfield, however that was intercepted by Carlos Alcaraz, who then opened the scoring. The north London outfit went on to draw the game 3-3 as their grip on the title slips away.
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When asked if recent defensive issues are a symptom of the team or individual errors, Mikel Arteta replied: "Today it’s clear," with a follow up question asking which goal, replying: "The first one." He then continued: "I have to explain the game no? It’s not about we got to Anfield we win, we go to West Ham we win, we go to Southampton we win.
"At the end when we draw I give you explanations, when we win I try to give you correct explanations. Today it’s clear. You cannot concede the goals the way we did to win games in the Premier League unless we make a miracle like we did in the last 40, or 50 minutes and then you still have the chance to win it."
Rooney has made a comparison between Ramsdale and Schmeichel, saying he likes the goalkeeper regardless of any recent problems. He told the Times: "I'm a big fan of Aaron Ramsdale. Despite his slip-up against Southampton, he has made a number of fantastic saves and played with huge presence.
"Normally, with goalkeepers, you want them to have character and presence but you want them to have calmness as well. If you’re going to be as vocal and extrovert as Ramsdale, you have to back it up with your performances, because otherwise it all looks a bit cocky.
"Well, he does and he reminds me of Peter Schmeichel. Obviously, Ramsdale has to keep improving to get near Schmeichel’s levels but the whole package makes him the closest thing I’ve seen for a long time to the Great Dane."
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