Mikel Arteta heaps praise on excellent Aaron Ramsdale
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale following the club’s 1-0 Premier League win over Leeds United on Sunday.
The Gunners went four points clear at the top of the standings with a slender victory at Elland Road. They certainly needed to work hard for the win.
Arsenal were undoubtedly second-best during the back end of the league encounter, but they had some luck on their side along with their defensive resolve.
Gabriel Magalhaes in our opinion stood out with key challenges in the box, but Ramsdale was equally impressive with his commanding influence in goal.
The goalkeeper made three vital saves in the box including a one-on-one against Patrick Bamford.
Bamford obviously missed a penalty too during the second half, but Ramsdale seemed to have the gap covered and would have saved the spot kick if it was on target.
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted that the Gunners were lucky at times and added that Ramsdale was excellent in keeping Leeds’ attacking players at bay.
He told Football Daily: “We gave simple balls away in really dangerous areas and at times we were lucky. I think Aaron was excellent.”
The £25.2 million-rated star has been a superb performer for the Gunners since his arrival from Sheffield United last year. He is the undisputed number one.
Ramsdale has not had much to do over the past few matches, but was certainly kept busy by Leeds, who maintained their high intensity over 90 minutes.
Arsenal got over the line by the slimmest of margins, but a win is a win. The victory has handed a big boost for the club after Manchester City’s loss at Liverpool.
They now find themselves four points clear at the top of the league table and will be hoping to extend the slender advantage before the World Cup break.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and SofaScore.com