Arteta praises Ramsdale’s courage after shaky Arsenal return

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale showed courage after making two first-half errors in the team’s 1-0 Premier League win at Brentford on Saturday.

Kai Havertz caught the eye with a late header to send Arsenal to the top of the table, but Ramsdale, given his first league start since September, was the talking point of the match.

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Ramsdale’s demotion to the bench behind David Raya caused some surprise, but he had his chance to shine and almost squandered it in comical fashion during a stuttering first half.

He was caught in possession of the ball in his own area and Bryan Mbeumo’s subsequent shot had to be cleared off the line by Declan Rice. Then he inexplicably threw the ball into the turf as he tried to send it forward from his gloves.

Ramsdale regained his composure in the second half but his performance will not have filled Arteta with confidence.

However, the Spaniard came to Ramsdale’s defense.

“Courage. He has great courage and a great personality and that is what we need,” Arteta told reporters.

That’s what football is all about. I’m so happy with the team. The way the team handled themselves with their clean sheet. We’re moving on.”

Arsenal were not at their best and a draw would have been a fair result, but Havertz, who came off the bench, sparked huge celebrations with his second goal of the season.

“That’s the beautiful thing. If things are easy, you don’t value them. He is an example for all of us to do what you have to do when you have difficulties,” Arteta said of the German attacker who didn’t really hit. the pitch since arriving from Chelsea this summer.

Arsenal have 30 points to champions Manchester City’s 29, while Liverpool have 28 and, although there is a long way to go, Arteta said reaching top spot was a good feeling, especially during of his 200th match at the head of the club.

“I love winning and we are at the top of the table and that’s where we should want to be. For me too it was a special day – 200 games and I want to say thank you very much to everyone who does my job so much nice,” said the Spaniard.

“The winter started, it was very cold and it’s difficult to come to Brentford and I loved the way the team competed, how we played.