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Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has rubbished claims that the Gunners have bottled the Premier League title this season, labeling them a 'cheap narrative'. The Englishman slammed critics who have dismissed what the club has achieved this season.
Ramsdale was asked whether talks of Arsenal bottling the title this season angered him and his teammates in an interview with The Guardian. The England international replied:
“It does when it comes from certain people who don’t necessarily have the knowledge or the experience. I also think it’s very hard to say that with a team [City] who have won it in five of the last six years, gone on an 11-game winning streak and will potentially win the treble. So we have to be realistic as well."
Ramsdale added, highlighting the significance of what his team have achieved in this campaign:
“This narrative of ‘bottled it’, I think it is an easy way out. It’s just quick, cheap narrative from certain people who have not actually gone digging into stories of what we’ve achieved."
He continued:
"Some people are saying it and forgetting that other teams have had the same experience as us. We let them worry about that, let them get views and people listening to them. We are disappointed but extremely proud of ourselves as well.”
Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League last season but went toe-to-toe with Manchester City in the title race this season. They were in pole position to win the title as well but poor recent form has seen them drop out of the race.
The Gunners are currently second in the Premier League table, four points behind league leaders Manchester City, having played one more game.
“That’s the aim" - Aaron Ramsdale speaks on future at Arsenal
In the aforementioned interview with The Guardian, Ramsdale also touched upon his future at Arsenal. The England international wants to stay for the long run at the Emirates, having shifted between multiple clubs over the course of his career.
Ramsdale is a product of Sheffield United's academy and has had stints (including loan spells) at Bournemouth, Chesterfield FC, and AFC Wimbledon. He joined the Gunners in 2021 and has kept 28 clean sheets in 76 games for the club.
When asked about signing new deals at Arsenal, the English shot-stopper stated that he would prefer to create a legacy at the Emirates. He said:
“That’s the aim. I don’t want to move around any more. It’s very hard as a footballer to try and stay in one place for a long time, to try and create a home where you can have a family. I don’t want to move any more, I want to see out my football here. I want to be a mainstay at this football club and do special things, win trophies and see what this team can do.”
Arsenal have announced that Ramsdale, whose previous contract was set to expire in 2025, has signed a new deal. The Englisman has received a 12-month extension on his existing deal's tenure, as reported by BBC.
