Arteta details Ramsdale's response to being dropped following starting XI return
Mikel Arteta has admitted Aaron Ramsdale has been "exceptional" in handling Arsenal's goalkeeping situation after returning to the starting XI for their 1-0 win over Brentford.
Ramsdale, 25, was recalled to the Gunners side to face Thomas Frank's Bees in the Carabao Cup, having been named on the bench for Arsenal's previous three matches. Arteta opted to for David Raya, who joined Arsenal from Brentford on loan in August, against Everton, PSV and Tottenham.
But the Gunners boss decided to bring Ramsdale back into the starting line-up as he made eight changes from the 2-2 draw in the north London derby on Sunday. Gabriel, Ben White and Eddie Nketiah were the only players to keep their place, while Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were left out of the squad entirely due to injury.
As for Ramsdale, he took his chance and impressed as the Gunners booked their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with the ex-Sheffield United shot-stopper making several excellent saves. In the second-half, he kept out Yoane Wissa's low shot, before Frank Onyeka's effort stung the palms of Ramsdale late on.
After the game, Arteta was quizzed on Ramsdale's attitude after being dropped for Raya and his performance against Brentford. He said: "He's been exceptional around the place with the situation and like everybody."
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Arteta added: "I don't think I'm the one to answer the question about Aaron Ramsdale's quality because I'm the person who signed him when no one else believed in him."
Ramsdale was taunted by the Brentford supporters during the game as they sang a pro-Raya song. "You're just a s*** David Raya," was the chant from the Brentford faithful to the former Bournemouth man. However, Arsenal fans bounced back and showed their support by singing "England's No.1".
Aaron Ramsdale during Arsenal's win over Brentford (Getty Images)Who should be Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper? Let us know in the comments below!
It has been a whirlwind after starting for England against Scotland during the international break, before losing his place in the Gunners side. Ramsdale under fire from Jamie Carragher after applauding one of Raya's saves in the north London derby.
Carragher told Sky Sports: "I thought it was like the Oscars, you know when someone loses the Oscar and they start clapping and smiling for the other person. I was laughing when I saw that. He’s absolutely devastated with that really." Ramsdale's dad, Nick, wasn't impressed and called him a "disgrace".
Liverpool legend Carragher was then asked for his thoughts on Nick's rant during the most recent episode of The Overlap. He said: "It was a joke! I will never say anything back and in some ways I admire it. My son plays and it is completely different to being a fan or a pundit."
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