Our forwards may well have dominated the headlines after Wednesday’s 6-0 win at West Bromwich Albion, but there was plenty to like about Aaron Ramsdale’s debut at the other end of the pitch too.
Our new goalkeeper was an assured presence in goal, making three fine saves to preserve a well-earned clean sheet.
After the match, Aaron spoke to Arsenal Media - and here’s what he said.
on making his debut...
Yeah, [it was] special. I wasn't expecting the reception I got, so a big thanks to the fans for that. A packed away end on a Wednesday night in the second round of the Carabao Cup shows the passion that the supports have and we put on a good performance for them. As debuts go, it's one of the better ones.
on the performance...
We were dominant throughout. Obviously West Brom had made changes but you've still got to beat what's in front of you and I think we've done that brilliantly. We've passed the ball, the movement from the front four, the lads who came on and it's topped off with some special goals. Auba's taken the matchball home and it's a good night all round.
on his favourite goal of the evening…
It's got to be the hat-trick goal. The hat-trick goal, in off the left. I'm quite glad he's on my team and not the opposition team anymore!
on his own performance...
Yeah, I did what I needed to do, you know? There's more to come in possession, but it's not too much of a change of system from Sheffield United - but it is more ball-related. We were asked to play out at my old club, but here it's definitely the philosophy, so I can get better on the ball. I've had a few days of training with the team and I was happy, made some saves and did what I needed to do. I'm in goal and first of all, you [need to] keep the ball out of the back of the net, and that's what I've done.
on the key messages from Mikel Arteta ahead of the game...
Just play the game. Play my feelings. It's me out there on the pitch. Obviously, we can do things on the training ground, but ultimately, it's what I feel on the pitch, and it's just adapting to the way we play. I'm delighted for tonight.
on fans chanting his name...
Yeah, it's special. I got to celebrate a couple of times with them in the first half, which was nice. They sang my name and it always gives you great confidence, things like that. [To see so many of them] on a Wednesday night is absolutely outstanding - and I can't wait to see more of them.
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