Thomas Frank explains what he told Aaron Ramsdale after Arsenal beat Brentford
Thomas Frank believes Aaron Ramsdale doesn't deserve to be criticised for his calamitous mistake during Arsenal's crucial 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday.
Ramsdale, 25, returned to the the Gunners side in the Premier League for the first time since November with David Raya ineligible to face his parent club. Declan Rice gave Arsenal the lead and they were in complete control up until Ramsdale had a moment to forget just before half-time.
After collecting the ball from Gabriel, Ramsdale hesitated his clearance, allowing Yoane Wissa to slide in and block the ball, which bounced into the net. The Arsenal players were quick to rally around Ramsdale as they tried to give the out-of-favour goalkeeper some much-needed confidence.
Ramsdale responded to have a fine second-half, producing a string of excellent saves as the Gunners went on to win the match thanks to a 86th minute header from Kai Havertz. And after the game, Frank defended Ramsdale and instead praised the pressure from Wissa leading up to the mistake.
When asked if he told his players to deliberately target Ramsdale, Frank said: "I think I actually said to Ramsdale I don't think he deserves to be criticised for a mistake. I think it's more unbelievable pressure from Wissa. If you see the way he accelerates it could happen to David Raya.
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"I think it was fantastic pressure from Wissa and if you saw how many times they went long every single time we were very brave to go man to man."
Asked to expand on his post-match conversation with Ramsdale, Frank added: "I said I think he's a very good keeper and I didn't want him to be involved in that situation. Again I can't say strongly enough I don't think it was a mistake, but very good pressure from Wissa."
Aaron Ramsdale made a horror error for Arsenal against Brentford (Getty Images)Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Ramsdale for the "huge personality" he showed to respond to the error and produced an "amazing" second-half performance. Since Raya moved to the Emirates on loan from Brentford, Ramsdale has started just two Premier League matches.
"Really happy especially because he did exactly what he is, a person with huge personality and courage, very determined," Arteta said. "Errors are part of football.
'It's how you react to it, especially for the keepers which is probably the most difficult position. He did so in an amazing way. I'm not surprised because the whole team and the whole stadium was behind him. He has earned respect and admiration. We really wanted to win for him."
As for Arsenal, victory over Brentford moves them to the top of the Premier League ahead of Sunday's blockbuster affair between Liverpool and Manchester City. It's the Gunners' eighth top-flight win on the bounce as they look to win their first title since 2004.
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