Aaron Ramsdale may have taken Bernd Leno’s spot in the Arsenal team but the bond is clearly strong between the pair of them, as showcased against Aston Villa.
Many were left stunned when Ramsdale wasn’t named in the Arsenal team to face Villa, and he wasn’t even on the bench either having picked up a hip injury.
That meant a rare league start for Leno, who has been bumped down the pecking order since Ramsdale’s arrival from Sheffield United last summer.
Leno equipped himself well, came for crosses decisively and stayed concentrated until the very end as he saved a last-gasp Philippe Coutinho free kick.
After the final whistle, Leno was mobbed by his Arsenal teammates as they clearly appreciated him stepping in and shining against Villa.
Then, an injured Ramsdale hobbled his way onto the pitch to embrace with his fellow goalkeeper, showing the pair love each other even if they’re battling for one shirt.
Ramsdale could have stayed at home and rested up his injury but instead made the journey to Birmingham to support his fellow goalkeeper.
There is often mention of the ‘goalkeepers’ union’ and Ramsdale celebrating with Leno absolutely proved it’s alive and kicking at Arsenal.
Leno will be on cloud nine right now, but you have to wonder just how long he will settle for sitting behind Ramsdale.
Newcastle Untied showed a real interest in signing Leno before the January deadline but no deal was done.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has also told Give Me Sport that Leno is a likely target for Newcastle this summer having failed to land him in January.
Leno is likely to be a wanted man this summer, and his performance at Villa showed exactly why.
Newcastle may have been impressed with Leno’s display as well as with the camaraderie he has with other goalkeepers, with Ramsdale clearly a huge fan.
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