Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Napoli: 5 things we learned – Well, that was wonderful

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams first goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal and S.S.C. Napoli at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams first goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal and S.S.C. Napoli at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Aaron Ramsey a shoots and scores his teams first goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal and S.S.C. Napoli at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Aaron Ramsey a shoots and scores his teams first goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal and S.S.C. Napoli at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

2. Thank you, Aaron Ramsey

Much has been written about the impending departure of Aaron Ramsey. The mismanagement of his contract, the decisions to spend money on other players, the desperate need to replace him without any compensation for his ‘sale’. There is not really any more than needs to be said. But after his recent performances, this just being the latest in a line of excellent showings in the heart of the Arsenal midfield, the Welshman deserves a ‘thank you’.

This was Ramsey at his very best. He scored the first goal, could have scored another three if not for some wasteful finishing, was involved in every part of play, especially in possession, and thrust himself into the role of chief instigator and controller. But what was most pleasing — and what has been most pleasing about all his recent displays — was his attitude.

It would have been very easy for Ramsey to take a backseat these past few months. As Alexis Sanchez illustrated last season, drawn-out departures are not always the smoothest of processes. But Ramsey has been a testament to his character, fully committed to the club with every last kick of the ball. And for that, I say ‘thank you’.