Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have a truly ‘exceptional’ 24-year-old in their ranks

Sat 6 August 2022 18:15, UK

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Aaron Ramsdale for his “exceptional” display against Crystal Palace on Friday night.

The Gunners ran out 2-0 winners over Patrick Vieira’s side at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal scored the first goal of the new Premier League season as Gabriel Martinelli netted in the 20th minute.

The 20-year-old missed a great chance earlier on, but made amends with his close-range header at the back post.

Martinelli slammed home after Oleksandr Zinchenko nodded the ball into his path from a corner.

And late on, Bukayo Saka whipped in a ball that Marc Guehi deflected into his own net to make sure of all three points.

Admittedly, Ramsdale did have some nervy moments in the game, but he also pulled off some superb saves.

The 24-year-old kept Odsonne Edouard’s header in the first-half.

And after the break, Eberechi Eze looked almost certain to score as he found himself clean through on goal.

However, Ramsdale made himself big and kept out the Palace gem’s effort.

“Match-winners”

After the game, Arteta spoke to the Arsenal about the £30million man’s vital saves.

“Yes, especially the last one at the end – match-winners,” said the Gunners boss.

“That’s what you need when you’re coming away from home and you’re going to concede.

“And we didn’t concede much, but a little bit and Aaron was exceptional today.”

“Brilliant goalkeeper”

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher had also lauded Ramsdale for the Eze save.

“What a chance for Eze,” Carragher said on – as transcribed by – after the Arsenal man’s stop.

“That was brilliant goalkeeping – Ramsdale was out in a flash.

“White made a poor decision on the far side and it was a brilliantly threaded through-ball from Zaha as Odegaard found himself in the full-back position.”

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Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have a truly ‘exceptional’ 24-year-old in their ranks

“Match-winners”

“Brilliant goalkeeper”