Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have raised doubts about Aaron Ramsdale’s response to David Raya’s incredible save.
In the Sunday afternoon match, Arsenal faced their North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal took the lead twice, with a Cristian Romero own goal and a Bukayo Saka penalty, but their bid for three points was thwarted by two goals from Son Heung Min, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
As the weekend approached, the primary topic of discussion revolved around whether Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would make a change in his goalkeeper position. Despite starting Ramsdale for most of the season, the English goalkeeper was benched earlier in the month against Everton and subsequently in their Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven.
In the match against Spurs, Arteta once again chose Raya, and the Spanish goalkeeper made an outstanding save to deny Brennan Johnson in the first half. Following this save, Ramsdale was captured on camera applauding the man who had taken over his starting position.
However, the authenticity of Ramsdale’s reaction has been questioned by both Neville and Caragher.
Speaking on commentary, former Manchester United defender Neville said: “What must Aaron Ramsdale be thinking? He just fetches it behind him, reaches out.
“He’s saying ‘Well done mate’. He’s either a top individual or a good actor!”
Whilst Carragher said after the match: “I thought I was at the Oscars, you know when someone loses the OScar and they start clapping and smiling for the other person.
“I mean I was laughing when I saw that. He’s absolutely devastated.”
🗣️ “You know when someone loses the Oscar and they start clapping and smiling for the other person” 🥲@Carra23 on Ramsdale’s reaction to that Raya save… pic.twitter.com/5zpGgjZBAf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 24, 2023
Arteta admitted before the Spurs match that he understands Ramsdale’s frustration.
He said: “I understand [his frustration] and it’s very difficult for every player.
“He’s been very supportive and good around the place and that’s what I expect from every single player because when you’re on the field there is someone else who’s not so it works both ways. So far he’s been very good.”
Arsenal will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on Brentford in the EFL Cup.