Ramsdale's 'incredible' performance only the start of something special, claims Arteta

Stefan Bienkowski
Stefan Bienkowski
  • 30 Oct 2021 15:32 BST
  • 7 min read
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale
© ProShots

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed Aaron Ramsdale’s “incredible” performance against Leicester City as “only the start” of his exciting career at the London club.

The Premier League side raised a number of eyebrows in the summer transfer window when they forked over £25 million to sign Ramsdale from Sheffield United, despite having a perfectly good goalkeeper in the form of Bernd Leno.

Article continues under the video

However, since taking Leno’s spot in Arteta’s squad, Ramsdale has provided some notable performances that suggest he’s a much better shot-stopper and has played an integral role in Arsenal getting their defensive line back in shape.

For example, since starting in goals for the club this season, Arsenal have conceded just four goals from seven Premier League games and now sit in fifth place in the English top-flight table.

’Ramsdale has had really encouraging performances’

Ramsdale was vital to Arsenal’s 2-0 victory with a remarkable save to stop James Maddison from scoring from a set-piece in the first half and Arteta couldn’t be prouder of the club’s new signing.

"We invest money in talent and people that we believe can be great for the future of the club,” said Arteta shortly after the match.

“Aaron has had some really encouraging performances. Today he had some incredible saves. It's only the start."

He added: "I've just seen the picture, I haven't seen the video footage yet. When I saw the ball leaving Maddison's foot, I said 'goal'."

"I think he's settled in a group that is very welcoming, with a lot of young energy and very humble senior players that accommodate you straight away."

Are Leno’s days at Arsenal numbered?

It remains to be seen whether Ramsdale is now the undisputed No.1 at Arsenal but if this continues it will surely spell the end of Leno’s time at the club.

The German goalkeeper was linked with a move away from Arsenal for much of the summer and could now be moved on at the end of the season if a decent offer was made for the shot-stopper.

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.