What Aaron Ramsdale did after Kai Havertz goal as emotional Arsenal message sent to Mikel Arteta

Aaron Ramsdale has come out to thank those around him after a tough return to Premier League action for the England goalkeeper. Making his first appearance since the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool in January, the 25-year-old was at the centre of the action in a huge 2-1 win for the Gunners over Brentford on Saturday.

Called into the side against the Bees for the second time this season with first-choice shot-stopper David Raya unavailable to face his parent club, Ramsdale had an uneventful start to the game. The opening 45 minutes largely passed him by before a mistake right before the break handed Brentford an unlikely equaliser.

Taking too long to clear a backpass, Ramsdale fired his kick into Yoane Wissa and saw it rebound into the net. Having dominated the game until that point — leading thanks to Declan Rice's headed opener — it was 1-1 and the pressure mounted.

Arsenal's frustration and shock at not being ahead were clear as Brentford frustrated them into the second half. The chance to go top of the table before Liverpool and Manchester City meet on Sunday is evidently playing its part in an emotionally charged siege of possession.

Ramsdale was able to celebrate eventually as Kai Havertz won the game for his side late on, heading in Ben White's cross to power the Gunners to the summit. For Ramsdale, it was the perfect way to end a big day.

He had made several important saves to deny Brentford the lead. First, he tipped Ivan Toney's ambitious long-range striker wide of the goal, then he had to react quickly to send a close-range header over the bar as well.

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