28 September 2023 , 08:52
1228
0
Mikel Arteta insists Aaron Ramsdale is part of his plans at Arsenal and has told critics: "I was the one that brought him."
Ramsdale was recalled to Arsenal's starting XI for their 1-0 win at Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. The England international was dropped earlier this month following the arrival of David Raya from Brentford on a season-long loan.
As Raya was ineligible to face his parent club, Arteta was left with little choice but to play Ramsdale against the Bees. Many pundits believe the writing is on the wall for Ramsdale at the Emirates, with Arsenal legend Ian Wright calling his axe "ruthless".
Yet Arteta has hit back at his critics by reminding them of the scrutiny he faced when signing Ramsdale from Sheffield United two years ago. Arsenal's transfer policy was a described as "a mess" for spending £30million on a goalkeeper from a relegated team.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara told talkSPORT in August 2021: "They got rid of (Emiliano) Martinez, who is a brilliant keeper, for what... £20m? A snip, he was one of the best keepers last season. And now they are going to sign someone from a relegated team for £30m... Who is doing their business there? What are they doing? They are a mess."
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Ramsdale was expected to be Arsenal's second-choice goalkeeper behind Bernd Leno when he arrived at the Emirates, but Arteta put his faith in the Englishman. The Gunners boss was keen to remind everyone of that after Wednesday's game.
Arteta faced a barrage of questions on Ramsdale's future in his post-match press conference. He said: "I don’t think I’m the one to ask the quality of Aaron Ramsdale, because I was the one that I brought him when everyone was questioning that decision."
Despite Arteta's response, a lot has changed since he gave Ramsdale a chance two years ago. The goalkeeper barely put a foot wrong during his first two seasons at Arsenal and is now an established international, earning four England caps since his transfer.
Arsenal were criticised for signing Ramsdale from Sheffield United two years ago (Getty Images)What do you make of Aaron Ramsdale's treatment at Arsenal? Let us know in the comments below!
Wright and fellow pundit Jamie Carragher discussed Ramsdale's axe on the most recent episode of The Overlap. Wright said: "It feels very ruthless. I have been in a position where someone threatens your place.
"The cameras would have been on him regardless. Being in a dressing room, where a team is trying to get somewhere, it is what happens. Mikel Arteta is meticulous, he has seen something at the end of last season and brought Raya in."
Carragher added: "He obviously feels Raya is better than Ramsdale. He has got to keep him onside and play him in certain games. I think Ramsdale is a good goalkeeper but I don't think he is a great one. He was in this position on the flip side when he came in and took Leno's place.
"Look at Alisson coming in at Liverpool and Ederson at City, it completely changed those clubs. Whether Raya can get to that level, we will see."