Aaron Ramsdale kept a clean sheet on his return to the Arsenal team (Picture: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta had to be asked a number of times about the performance of Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal’s win at Brentford, but he eventually had something nice to say about his goalkeeper.
Ramsdale was back in the Gunners side as David Raya is on loan from Brentford and could not play against his parent club at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The England international kept a clean sheet as Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game in the 89th minute to send Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.
It has been a tough season for Ramsdale after being replaced in the starting XI by Raya, and it was a tricky afternoon as the Brentford fans were keen to remind him that he has fallen down the pecking order.
However, despite keeping Brentford out, Arteta was in no rush to praise Ramsdale.
Asked about Ramsdale’s performance on TNT Sports, Arteta said: ‘I’m so happy with the team, with the way they performed, we got the clean sheet and I’m so happy with how everybody played.’
Further asked on if it was understandable Ramsdale would be nervous due to the Brentford fans’ reception, Arteta added: ‘The team was exceptional today.’
It appeared a deliberate swerve from the Spaniard and he was asked again about Ramsdale in the post-match press conference, questioned on how he overcome a nervy start to improve later in the game.
Arteta congratulated Ramsdale after Arsenal won the game (Picture: Getty Images)
Arteta replied: ‘This is football, I’m so happy with the team, the way the team performed and we move on, so happy.’
Asked yet again about how Ramsdale dealt with a tricky situation, Arteta finally relented from his set line, saying: ‘Courage, he has big courage, big personality and that’s why we love him.’
Ramsdale’s teammates were clearly thrilled for their goalkeeper, surrounding and congratulating him late in the game, which Arteta was thrilled to see.
‘It’s a joy as a manager to watch this reaction of the players looking after themselves, encouraging each other, showing love to each other,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t get any better than that.
‘Today is my 200th game and when I see a team that behaves between them like that, the staff smiling. I’m so happy, I cannot be prouder and more grateful for everybody who was with us every single day to make my job so enjoyable.’
MORE : Kai Havertz sends message to Arsenal fans after winner at Brentford ends ‘tough couple of months’
MORE : Arsenal go top of the Premier League with dramatic late win at Brentford
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The Gunners boss had to be pushed on his goalkeeper.