Arsenal's pre-match routine ahead of Saturday's game against Southampton was slightly different to your typical matchday at the Emirates – and it was all down to one man; Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale signed for newly-promoted Southampton at the end of August following a three-year stay spell at Arsenal.
After joining the Gunners from Sheffield United in 2021, the 26-year-old goalkeeper made 89 appearances in all competitions under Mikel Arteta, who has previously praised Ramsdale's "huge personality" and "courage".
But after being replaced by David Raya last year, he was intent on playing regular first-team minutes.
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Speaking to Football Focus before this weekend's game in North London, fan-favourite Ramsdale said he left Arsenal because he did not “want to win trophies if I was sitting on the bench”.
He added: “I just wanted to play football. As a kid I wanted to play football to play, not to just sit on a bench. Getting out and playing was my aim so I’m lucky I found myself here at Southampton.”
Just over a month after leaving the Emirates and Ramsdale was given a heroes welcome as he lined up against his former club.
As you can see in the footage below, an often quiet and reserved Emirates tunnel was beaming with positive energy as Ramsdale embraced several of his former teammates ahead of kick-off.
Jorginho was the first to put his arms around the shot-stopper before David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, William Saliba, Declan Rice, Gabriel and Thomas Partey followed shortly after.
One fan commented on the scenes, saying: "If you watch Arsenal, you’ll notice we are usually very reserved in the tunnel. This shows how much the lads loved Rambo. Nice moment."
Others agreed that Ramsdale deserved such a warm welcome. A second wrote: "Absolutely love this, such a great guy deserves the best honestly."
A third commented: "Don’t think people acknowledge how much of a character he was in the dressing room. Clearly such a likeable guy," and a fourth added: ""Leaving the tunnel all smiles???? Yeah Ramsdale is back."
Shortly after leaving the tunnel, a visibly emotional Ramsdale was moved to tears as fans inside the Emirates gave him a memorable welcome.
In fact, many stayed behind after the final whistle to chant his name.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opened up about his post-match conversation with Ramsdale, saying: “[I] just wished him all the best and Southampton all the best for the way they played as well."
He added: “I hope they [get all the best] for the manager and Aaron as well because they’re a really good side.”
Arsenal came out 3-1 winners on the day thanks to goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. They currently sit third in the Premier League standings, just one point behind leaders Liverpool.
Topics: Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal, Premier League, Southampton, Fan Reactions
Jack Kenmare