Southampton vs Arsenal: Aaron Ramsdale’s chance to shine

Having been the centre of attention for a large part of the season, Aaron Ramsdale’s name is now one of the least mentioned one across the whole Arsenal team.

Bursting onto the scene with some flying saves and mesmeric distribution, he then suffered a wobble in the early months of 2022. In the defeats to Crystal Palace and Brighton last time out his role was almost solely just collecting the ball out of the back of the net.

Ahead of facing Southampton on Saturday, Arsenal have conceded seven goals from their last 12 shots on target faced. In Ramsdale’s case he can’t be especially blamed for any of them, but it highlights how his involvement has lessened in multiple ways across recent matches.

Teams are also beginning to suss him and Arsenal out tactically. A lot of teams will now mark up in midfield to prevent him hitting some of his delicious sidewinder kicks into feet, instead happy to force him to go long where Arsenal’s lack of aerial presence in the forward line forces any goal-kick to be inch perfect in order to find its target.

Southampton vs Arsenal: Aaron Ramsdale’s distribution has a chance to shine against the hosts high pressing style

One team who never stray away from their attacking principles is Southampton, especially at home. Sixth in the Premier League this season for final third pressures (just behind Arsenal), fourth for middle third pressures, and fourth for overall success rate, this high octane approach is one that if bypassed once usually becomes their undoing. They lose their shape and connectivity, as witnessed against Chelsea where they were caught out in numerically disadvantages defensive transitions time and time again.

When the time comes to look back on the season it will be the 3-0 win over the Saints that will stick out, purely down to the quality of the first goal on the night. A sweeping move that started with Ramsdale playing a neat ball under pressure culminated in Lacazette finishing off with aplomb in the box. There is scope for another, although probably not with him on the end of it.

It was exhibition football and precisely the desired response to any team that seeks to press high up the pitch, and either be aggressive in their work-rate or force the opposition to go long.

The side of Ramsdale’s game that endeared him to supporters hasn’t been as prevalent of late. It’s no real fault of his own but a trip to St Mary’s is one he’ll be looking at as an opportunity to play passes through lines or up and over high defensive lines.

He’ll be keen to make an impression.