Mikel Arteta continues support of 'exceptional' Aaron Ramsdale after Brentford return

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Aaron Ramsdale for his reaction to being dropped as the goalkeeper made his return during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Brentford.

After playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge last season, Ramsdale dropped to the bench for the Gunners’ league games against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Champions League opener against PSV Eindhoven.

Arteta has instead preferred summer signing David Raya but the boss has repeatedly played down concerns about Ramsdale’s future at the club, insisting he simply wants two elite options for every position on the pitch.

Having spent three games on the bench, Ramsdale returned to Arsenal’s starting lineup for Wednesday’s win against Brentford, after which Arteta was happy to shower him with praise.

“He’s been exceptional around the place with the situation,” Arteta explained.

“We love him more for sure. We have him every day. We know him, we know his character and we are really happy to have him.”

Ramsdale caught the eye with an impressive save midway through the second half, turning to celebrate with the supporters after tipping a strike on to the post.

Asked whether that save was a reminder of his quality, Arteta insisted: “I don’t think I’m the one to answer the question about Aaron Ramsdale’s quality because I’m the one who signed him when everyone else was questioning that decision. So I don’t think I’m the one to answer that question.”

As part of his attempt to prove there is no bigger issue in his goalkeeping department, Arteta also brushed off a question over whether he struggles to leave Ramsdale out of the squad.

“Every player is very important,” he explained. “We have a lot of injuries as well and players who contributed. But in football it’s about now, it’s about the moment. Today [Ramsdale] had the opportunity to play and he played a really big game.”