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Aaron Ramsdale’s Albert Sambi Lokonga’s glare speaks volumes about his Arsenal expectations


Arsenal recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Friday night to go unbeaten in seven games in all competitions

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In pictures: Arsenal v Aston Villa

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was quick to let teammate Albert Sambi Lokonga know what he thought of his dithering on the ball against Aston Villa.

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Both of the Gunners stars only joined in the summer – but have both impressed the Emirates faithful quickly in their recent outings.

Lokonga enjoyed an impressive if unspectacular display in the middle of the park for Mikel Arteta’s men as they battered Dean Smith’s Aston Villa.

However, things could have ended up very differently for the Belgian international 70 minutes in – as he had his pocket picked by Jacob Ramsey after being caught in two minds while in possession.

Ramsey’s tackle on Lokonga fell to the feet of Leon Bailey – who duly tested the palms of Ramsdale with a relatively tame effort.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Ramsdale be Arsenal’s number one for years to come? Comment below.

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Aaron Ramsdale glares at Albert Sambi Lokonga after he lost possession in a dangerous area

Regardless, Arsenal’s new shot-stopper deemed it necessary to let Lokonga know what he thought of his error.

One glance was enough for the Belgian to understand what Ramsdale was suggesting.

While Lokonga’s start to life in North London has been solid, Ramsdale’s has been spectacular – the former Sheffield United ‘keeper nothing short of a revelation since the switch.

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The England international was far from a popular signing upon his arrival, with many sections of the Arsenal fanbase questioning the move and his price tag.

The Gunners forked out an initial £24m for the ‘keeper, with the deal reportedly containing at least £6m worth of add-ons.

Arteta discussed the deal before the win over Villa, revealing: “The way we decided to recruit Aaron was to go through a big process where obviously we wanted to know a lot about his personality, his character and the way he could handle the big pressure of playing for a big club.

Rate the Arsenal players’ performances against Aston Villa below.

“He’s showing that he’s ready to do that. I’m really happy with his performances and what he’s bringing to the team and it’s another reason why the team has made it difficult to concede goals.”

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Lokonga is not the first in failing to meet Ramsdale’s expected standard – the ‘keeper fierce in his demand that only the very best is good enough for his new side.

Thomas Partey met the same fate just ten minutes later when his inability to close down Ramsey allowed Villa to pull one back and scupper Ramsdale’s clean sheet.

The 24-year-old darted out of his goal to give the far more experienced, former Atletico Madrid midfielder a piece of his mind in a clearly furious fashion.

The Three Lions keeper earned plaudits for his honest assessment of the recent 0-0 draw away at Brighton, claiming: “Personally and collectively the performance needs to be better, especially to get where we want to get to.”

Aaron Ramsdale justified his price tag with a solid display against Aston Villa on Friday night

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Ramsdale is famed for his ability with the ball at his feet and has shown why during his limited sample size in an Arsenal shirt.

The ex-Wimbledon ‘keeper played a number of delightful passes on Friday night against Villa, breaking through opposition lines and sparking Arsenal attacks.

The Gunners now sit ninth in the Premier League, spurning the chance to enter the top four after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace on Monday night.

While Arsenal boast a feeble goal difference of minus 13, Ramsdale has only shipped four goals since taking up his position between the sticks at the Emirates.

A Carabao Cup clash on Tuesday is likely to see Ramsdale benched and offer former number one Bernd Leno the chance to get some minutes under his belt.

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