Mikel Arteta singles out injured Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for praise after Aston Villa win

Mikel Arteta praised the attitude of injured Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale who demonstrated the togetherness in the current squad by celebrating Saturday’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa with his understudy Bernd Leno.

The Germany international lost his status as the club’s undisputed No.1 three games into the new campaign having conceded nine goals in defeats against Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Summer signing Ramsdale has hardly put a foot wrong since coming into the team but Leno was restored to the starting line-up on Saturday with the former Sheffield United goalkeeper having sustained an injury in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against Liverpool.

Leno produced a competent display and made a crucial injury-time save from Philippe Coutinho’s free-kick to secure the three points which helped Arsenal tighten their grip on fourth place.

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>A big save from Bernd Leno to deny Coutinho with the last kick of the game ð² The final whistle blows and the Arsenal players run to celebrate with their keeper! pic.twitter.com/tcwAJOc7UQ

Praising Ramsdale’s response to Leno’s crucial contribution, Arteta said: ‘He wasn’t comfortable in the last 50 minutes against Liverpool. He wanted to be here to support Bernd which tells you about a lot of things behind the scenes.

‘It’s been tough for Bernd [Leno], not playing the minutes he’s been used to in his career, but Aaron [Ramsdale] was there to support him.

‘Emile [Smith Rowe] has had some issues in the last few weeks and came in for 90 minutes because he’s managed to look after himself well.’

Ray Parlour urges Arsenal to take 'gamble' and sign Everton and Brentford stars

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard praises Arsenal board for Mikel Arteta decision

'They