Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has told Spurs Play that Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was the best player on the pitch on Sunday – as Premier League leaders Arsenal cruised past their North London rivals to win 2-0.
Arsenal were deemed favourites going into the match, given they have suffered defeat in the League just once this season. But Spurs handed the match to Arsenal in the first half – Hugo Lloris making a huge error for Arsenal’s first.
Bukayo Saka’s shot-come-cross was fumbled into his own net. Then, Martin Odegaard was given the space of the entire Tottenham stadium to lash home a second. Spurs were 2-0 down, and it could have been a whole lot worse.
Conte’s men improved in the second half and they were arguably the better side. Ramsdale pulled off a couple of excellent saves, denying the likes of Son Heung-min and Ryan Sessegnon. That earned praise from Spurs boss Conte.
“We had the opportunity to level the game with Sonny but the Arsenal keeper made a fantastic save,” Conte told Spurs Play. “We were unlucky, we had the chance to go 2-1. I think their keeper was the best player on the pitch today”.
Conte: Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale the best player on the pitch
Was he the best player on the pitch? He was certainly good, but it might be Conte trying to paint a picture that was slightly different to the truth. Tottenham were awful in the first half and Arsenal ran riot. Odegaard was exceptional.
Tottenham’s defence did not know whether to engage, with the Spurs midfield constantly affording him space. Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah were superb. Thomas Partey, as consistent as ever. Arsenal were comfortable.
But there is no doubting that £62k-a-week goalkeeper Ramsdale was superb. His tenth clean sheet in 20 appearances this season – conceding just 18 goals. His ninth clean sheet, in 18 League games. Spurs need a Ramsdale.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
