Just finished watching the Brentford VS Arsenal match and one of the big talking points is Ramsdale’s performance.

After a horror few errors in the first half, I thought he played quite well in the second. Whether that be with his feet or hands, he was commanding and looked very composed.

So I hope people don’t jump into blaming his mistakes blindly because let’s also remembers that Raya has been very shaky too - most notably when he gifted Cole Palmer a great chance in the London Derby.

Sure, Raya will walk into the starting line up next game because Arteta clearly prefers him. But Ramsdale’s quality clearly remains and a lack of game time caused some rustiness. As simple as that.

He’s got too much quality to remain on the bench. It’s surprising that his Arsenal career had taken such a turn after last season’s achievements.

  • milkonyourmustacheBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Raya to Arsenal was a surprise to everyone but I think a number of factors had to fall in place for it to even happen:

    • Raya was who Arteta wanted before we signed Ramsdale, but Brentford got promoted and held onto him.
    • Arsenal’s GK coach Iñaki Caña was Raya’s old GK coach
    • Big clubs who were interested in a keeper this summer (United, Tottenham, Bayern, Real Madrid) were all not keen on Raya for the £40m Brentford were supposedly asking for and all pursued alternatives
    • Matt Turner wanted out and Forest came prepared to pay £10m for him
    • Brentford lowered the fee to £27m and said we can loan him now, buy later to satisfy our FFP needs.

    An opportunity came along for Arteta to get the GK he wanted years ago, who the GK coach probably considers a better GK, for £17m net, plus the 1st year is a loan. It was unfortunate for Ramsdale but that’s just how things go in football sometimes. The important thing is he managed to get a move to Arsenal having been relegated with Bournemouth and Sheffield United. He was in the PL team of the year and got to shine on a massive stage, even playing for England. He’s still just 25 and if he can get a move to another big club this will just be a bump in the road.