Arsenal Vs Everton: The influence of Aaron Ramsey

Arsenal were fluid, fluent and dynamic in their passing, their attacking creativity, and their control of the game. That is the influence of Aaron Ramsey.

In the disparaging loss to Watford last weekend, there were many questions asked of Arsenal. From their lack of desire and commitment shown throughout, especially for the final goal in stoppage time, to their mismanagement of a slender one-goal lead in the second half, the Gunners’ performance was riddled shortcomings and troubles.

While character issues are perhaps the most concerning, from a technical standpoint, the biggest worry was their bluntness when in possession. With several players missing through injury, Arsene Wenger turned to a workmanlike midfield. It was painfully evident.

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Much of the focus centred on the absence of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. And rightly so. They have been the most important and most influential players of the recent years. However, it was a different player’s absence that I believe was the biggest detriment to Arsenal’s sticky, lethargic, and mechanical passing. That player is Aaron Ramsey.

Although the Welshman is not necessarily known for accurate distribution or long-range, raking passes or incisive, threaded through balls, he does have the technical skill to play any of these passes at any time. He simply is not as consistent at it as other, ball-dictating, orchestrating midfielders. But what Ramsey does provide this team is a drive and intention in midfield that brings an element of directness that is lost in aimless, sideways passing.

His return, in the 5-2 win over Everton, was a prime example of this effect. Throughout the 90 minutes, Ramsey completed 87.8% of his passes — 49 out of 56 attempts –, including playing 14 of those in the final third and 11 of those moving the team forward.

It is that last stat that is the most influential on the way that Arsenal plays with and without Ramsey. Despite being dispossessed more frequently than other midfielders, he also provides an attacking impetus that is needed. He is willing to take risks; he is willing to try things that may not necessarily come off but could create chances and score goals.

And that was shown against Everton. Ramsey created four chances throughout the 90 minutes and scored the Gunners’ fourth with a neat touch and finish after receiving Jack Wilshere’s accurate through ball for a blast-from-the-past-Wenger-shaped goal.

Next: Arsenal Vs Everton: 5 things we learned

In the aftermath of the victory, many may focus on the fluid, dynamic and potent front three who started alongside one another for the first time this season. But, quietly and efficiently, Ramsey made his way back into the heart of this team and began influencing the game with his effervescent, relentless style.

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