Arsenal FC: Aaron Ramsdale in contention for Gunners No. 1 with David Raya
Twice in a week Ramsdale was a penalty hero and his impact on yesterday’s Community Shield at Wembley Stadium was a timely reminder for Mikel Arteta of what he can do.
Ramsdale saved Rodri’s penalty to help Arsenal defeat Manchester City 4-1 on penalties after the game ended 1-1.
Last Wednesday, Ramsdale saved Takumi Minamino’s penalty as Arsenal beat Monaco in the Emirates Cup.
Arteta is keen to bring in Raya from Brentford as competition for Ramsdale, who knows his position as Arsenal’s No.1 goalkeeper could soon be in jeopardy.
Ramsdale endured a shaky end to last season but he was never one to shy away from a challenge and his impressive pre-season suggests he believes the competition has already begun.
In fact, Ramsdale didn’t just help the Gunners by saving Rodri’s penalty. He also saved a clear header from John Stones and then made two outstanding saves to keep Arsenal in the game after City took the lead through Cole Palmer in the 77th minute.
First he blocked with his legs as Phil Foden looked like he was about to bring the game to a close, then after the resulting corner he climbed over his goal to parry Rodri’s frivolous header. Arsenal equalized in added time through Leandro Trossard.
It bodes well for Arteta, even if the Arsenal manager didn’t think Ramsdale’s performance was down to a feeling he had something to prove.
“I hope not,” Arteta said. “There’s always competition, that’s how it must feel. He was great. We practice a lot and intentionally taking penalties in pre-season to be ready.” [for] The.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-ramsdale-raya-transfer-b1099101.html Arsenal FC: Aaron Ramsdale in contention for Gunners No. 1 with David Raya
