Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey’s absence tells the whole story

Arsenal have won just two out of the six Premier League games they have played since Aaron Ramsey’s injury. Those wins came against relegation-threatened Newcastle United and Crystal Palace. That tells the whole story.

Aaron Ramsey is a name that often divides opinion amongst the Arsenal faithful. Some believe he is a world-class midfielder; others cannot stand him. However, when you put your emotions aside and look at the facts, it is fairly simple to see how important the Welsh roamer is the side’s fate.

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Twice he has scored FA Cup winners; twice Arsene Wenger has been moved to extend his contract. But more than moments of brilliance or importance, more than the actional support of his manager, Ramsey has always been a reliable player.

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He has played as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, right winger, and let’s not forget the 1-1 draw last season at Old Trafford when Wenger shockingly started him on the left flank! And all this comes after a potentially career-threatening injury. That, more than anything else, reveals his resolve. But this is not a rose-tinted, nostalgic look at a player who once was. Ramsey is playing his best football right here, right now, in the present day.

For me, he has been Arsenal’s player of the season. He opened his account with a crucial goal to make it 3-3 against Leicester City on the very first day of the season, a game the Gunners went on to win. He was named the Man of the Match at the home of the champions, Chelsea, after bossing their midfield duo of N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas. As a result, Antonio Conte was forced to bring on Tiemoue Bakayoko in the second half to stop Ramsey from dictating the game. He was very unlucky not to score in this match, hitting the post with a prodded effort, but then went on to score at Everton to make it 4-1 and then score the winner in a 2-1 victory against Swansea City. Ramsey has always had the knack of scoring goals at crucial times.

Whether Ramsey scores or not, he will always give full commitment to the team. His work rate, coupled with his technical quality, makes him one of the Premier League’s best box-to-box players.

Having just 15 appearances this season, he has scored on three occasions and assisted six times. In addition to this, he has won two penalties.  So, on average, every two games you can expect Ramsey to get a goal or an assist. All this from central midfield! It just shows you the quality he possesses.

Since his injury against Southampton, Arsenal have struggled to attack with conviction. There is a lack of players in the opposition box to meet a through ball or cross, and the quality of runs Ramsey makes from a deeper position, which is unparalleled to any other player in the midfield, has been sorely missing. All year, Ramsey has missed seven games: two wins; four draws; one loss.

It’s no coincidence that the results without Ramsey have been mediocre at best. He is a dying breed of midfielder, and nobody else in the team can offer what he does. The time has come for all Arsenal fans to put some respect on his name.

Next: Arsenal Vs Bournemouth: Predicted starting XI

The good news is that Wenger has confirmed he will be back in the squad for the crucial clash against Bournemouth on Sunday. We should see a change in fortunes once he’s back. After all, there’s only one Aaron Ramsey.