Many were surprised to see Aaron Ramsdale start for Arsenal against Norwich but the Gunners’ newbie was expecting it and now he wants to build on the side’s first win and cleansheet.

Arsenal v Norwich City Premier League Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London Copyright: Paul Chesterton
Arsenal v Norwich City Premier League Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London Copyright: Paul Chesterton

In the run up to Arsenal’s game against Norwich on Saturday in the Premier League, it was rumoured that Ramsdale would be handed a chance between the posts with Mikel Arteta reportedly unhappy at Bernd Leno for shipping five against Manchester City.

If that’s true, it’s somewhat harsh on the German, but then again, he is one of Unai Emery’s men and they are an endangered species at Arsenal these days.

Ramsdale’s fee always meant that he was not coming to Arsenal to be a permanent backup, and we are likely already seeing the transition to him becoming number one, with Arteta throwing down a challenge to both his keepers that seems to favour Ramsdale staying in goal. It is perhaps earlier than expected, but it is not a surprise.

After his Premier League debut, and helping Arsenal pick up their first points and a cleansheet into the bargain, albeit it against probably the only side in the league that has fewer shots than Arsenal (39 to Arsenal’s 61, 8 on target to Arsenal’s 13)

“It has been a tough start to the season and we knew we had to have a performance but mainly get the three points,” said Ramsdale.

“We did that, everyone to a man. The blocks, people tracking back…so it was a great day, especially for the fans.

“We’ve played two promoted teams and arguably the best two teams in the league.

“Of course, we would have wanted more points but we now have three, a clean sheet and a first goal and we can now build on that.

“We have been working so hard on the training ground and that has been proven this week.”

Next up for Arsenal is a tougher test at Burnley and I would be surprised to see Ramsdale benched for it.