Aaron Ramsdale has praised the way Arsenal fans have responded to the club’s goalkeeping situation this season, following the arrival of David Raya.
Arsenal’s clear first-choice goalkeeper in 2022/23, Aaron Ramsdale has had to adapt to playing a backup role for the club this season, with David Raya joining in the summer transfer window and winning a starting spot.
Ramsdale admits that could have been very difficult for him, but the reaction from the Arsenal fans has helped him through it, particularly as he knows it’s not common for second-choice goalkeepers to get so much love from the supporters.
“Especially this year with the situation I’ve found myself in, they have been extra special,” Ramsdale said. “Even before games when my name is read out, I’ve heard the cheers, and warming up people still want to give me a wave.
“I think that’s kept me going more than I realised this season. Home and away I’ve always felt the love, heard chants, and that’s not something the second goalkeeper will get at many other places.”
“So for sure, that’s been a massive boost for me,” Ramsdale continued. “It could have been easy going through the season thinking you are forgotten about, but it’s been special during a difficult time, with how much love they’ve shown.
“Obviously fans have their favourites, but personally I think they’ve shown huge respect to both goalkeepers.
“They’ve supported whoever plays, and I think that shows great unity from the fanbase. They want the team to do well, the team comes first and I can’t thank them enough for what they do. What they do for the team in general is outstanding.”
Ramsdale has made 11 appearances this season, keeping three clean sheets and helping the team to seven wins.
The 25-year-old has always received a good reception from the fans, who have continued to cheer him on even after mistakes like the one in his most recent appearance against Brentford.
That’s seemingly helped him to respond, as he did in the Brentford match, when he made two key second-half saves.
The goalkeeper would surely have liked to play a bit more, and he’ll be disappointed that Arsenal exited the domestic cup competitions so early.
That was definitely his opportunity to rack up some minutes, but the Gunners were eliminated in the third and fourth round of the FA Cup and League Cup respectively.
From now until the end of the season, Ramsdale can only wait and be prepared for an opportunity if anything happens to rule Raya out for a game or more.