When Arsenal was closing in on Aaron Ramsdale during the summer transfer window, the club and manager Mikel Arteta received a lot of criticism from both fans and commentators. Nobody expected the goalkeeper to make a difference for the Gunners after they were relegated from the Premier League alongside Bournemouth and Sheffield United in consecutive seasons.
Furthermore, those critics grew vicious once the deal was completed for £24 million, with many believing that Arsenal had spent their riches on a goalkeeper who was not considered talented enough for the club. Pundits like Danny Murphy questioned the choice, while others were on hand to criticise the club’s transfer strategy as a whole.
This is what Jamie Redknapp had to say about Aaron Ramsdale
However, since joining the Gunners, Ramsdale’s performances have meant that many who were critical of him have had to retract their statements. The former Sheffield United midfielder is yet to lose a game in his eight appearances for the north Londoners, keeping five clean sheets in that time span.
It has become evident that Ramsdale has made a significant difference at Arsenal. Over the last few weeks, the goalkeeper has gotten several compliments, particularly from his boss Mikel Arteta. Because of the goalkeeper and a solid backline that includes new additions Nuno Tavares, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Arsenal have emerged as a serious force in the Premier League.
Arsenal, by contrast, was rooted to the bottom of the Premier League after three games. Since their most recent victory against Watford, they have moved up to the fifth position, two points behind the Premier League’s championship favourites and fourth-place Liverpool. As a result, they are six points behind league leaders Chelsea and three points behind second-placed Manchester City, putting them in a position to be serious championship challengers, if not for the crown.
A member of the public who expressed displeasure with the Ramsdale deal was Sky Sports commentator Jamie Redknapp, who later apologized for his comments. Redknapp’s remarks emerged on HITC after he spoke to Sky, in which he confessed his mistake of judgment in relation to the goalkeeper and the criticism levelled at the 23-year-old and his club Arsenal.
“He has taken me completely by surprise,” Redknapp added. “I’m going to be completely honest with you. I was completely mistaken about him. I felt that was an odd signature at first glance. He has been a revelation because he has instilled confidence in him in the back of his mind.”
A number of Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, have been called up to the national team of England for the current round of international matches.
After that, Arsenal and Ramsdale will have a difficult test when they go to Anfield, which is where the Premier League action will continue again. A successful performance against Liverpool will put both the player and the club in a strong position moving into the second half of the season, consolidating their hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League.
