Arsenal Vs CSKA Moscow: 5 things we learned – Fabulous but flawed

1. Just pay the man

Aaron Ramsey did far more than just score two brilliant goals, the second of which was a truly sublime finish, inventively backheeling a volley up and over the head of the onrushing Igor Akinfeev, turning to see the ball roll into the gaping net. His overall influence on this game was astonishing.

He maintained an 85% pass completion rate, made one key pass, completed his only dribble attempt of the game, made three interceptions, won one of his two attempted tackles, had seven shots-on-goal, and ensured that of the 57 passes that he completed, a remarkable 42 of them were forwards. This was the definition of a driving performance from midfield.

And that leaves just one thing left to note: It is time for Arsenal to pay the man. Ramsey’s contract has just one more year remaining and there have been few suggestions of ongoing talks between the club and the player, perhaps meaning that they aren’t being done or that they aren’t particularly successful.

Next: Arsenal Vs CSKA Moscow: Player ratings

Whatever the hold-up is, Arsenal have no excuse with Ramsey. It is time to pay the man. He deserves it.