Ray Parlour has claimed that Arsenal fans were shocked when Bernd Leno was initially benched by Mikel Arteta, as he told talkSPORT.
But the Highbury legend added that his replacement, Aaron Ramsdale, has been ‘absolutely brilliant’ since he donned the gloves.
Back when Arsenal lost their opening three Premier League matches, if Arteta was handed his p45 at that time, then no one would have batted an eye-lid.
Well, the patience those at the top of the club showed to their manager is now paying off because they are heading towards a return to the Champions League.
One big factor behind that all is the form of Ramsdale and Parlour shared that he is loving what the Englishman has brought to the table.
“He (Ramsdale) has been brilliant,” said Parlour. “Absolutely brilliant. Bernd Leno, obviously, got taken out of the team. I think a few of the Arsenal fans were shocked at that.
“I think since Ramsdale has got his chance, he has been brilliant. That save, the other day, against Harvey Barnes. He has probably done that five or six times this season.
“Kept clean sheets – but I think Gareth Southgate is a very loyal person. He always picks the players in front. I think, at the moment, Pickford will be in front of Aaron Ramsdale.
“But, he will also be breathing down his neck. Any mistakes he has made, then he will be straight in there.”
Given Ramsdale’s form, this summer might be the end of the road for Leno at Arsenal and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the £19 million player (Guardian) is moved on.
The German’s contract is due to expire in 2023 and, at the age of 30, he is too good to be sitting on anyone’s bench.
When Leno was replaced, it wasn’t a case of him doing anything wrong, but Arteta just freshening things up and using his big-money summer signing.
But, not only has Ramsdale brought quality in between the sticks, but he has elevated the mood around the place and added some much-needed character.
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