Aaron Ramsdale opens up on what ‘really did his head in’ about being benched for David Raya at Arsenal – and reveals which team-mate was first to wish him luck after Southampton move ahead of Emirates return

Aaron Ramsdale has revealed one thing that really bothered him when he lost his place to David Raya in the Arsenal team last season.

The Ramsdale-Raya situation was one of the main talking points during the first few months of the 20-23-24 campaign following the Spaniard’s arrival from Brentford.

Raya came in and quickly deposed England international Ramsdale, who had been named PFA Team of the Year last season and did little wrong as Arsenal challenged for the title.

The majority of Gunners fans were initially unhappy with Ramsdale’s treatment, with television cameras ensuring his reactions to Raya’s good or bad moments during games were captured.

“It used to bother me,” Ramsdale told the BBC. ‘I came off the field and my wife said: ‘You were on TV again five times today’

‘Why someone would pan to me when someone makes a save, a goal goes in and it pans to me on the bench.

“I think the story was bigger than it needed to be. I think it also put pressure on David (Raya) at times.

“I did an interview with David Seaman about my new contract and how I wanted to emulate him and stay there for eight to 10 years. A few months later I dropped out of the team.

‘I did my utmost to drive David out of the team. I think the rewards are starting to show now. He has started the season incredibly well.

“He was actually the first person to text me about moving here, from the guys at Arsenal. But no, he was great, he was great.

“Like I said, he’s made some big saves this season and kept them in some games. I’m just desperate that he doesn’t have another game like that on Saturday.’

Ramsdale’s time at Arsenal came to an end much sooner than expected when he signed, just as he signed for Southampton in the summer.