Aaron Ramsdale had been hearing it all game. After seemingly losing his spot to summer signing David Raya, Arsenal's former(?) No.1 was a target for Brentford supporters throughout. They took every opportunity to poke and prod at the opposing goalkeeper. It was good old fashioned mental warfare.
So you can't blame Ramsdale for being ready to give it back. After making the game's big save, the one that preserved a 1-0 win for the Gunners, Ramsdale turned towards the fans and stared them down. Statement made, both to Brentford and, perhaps, Mikel Arteta.
Ramsdale's heroics helped Arsenal secure victory in the third round of the Carabao Cup, one claimed thanks to an early Reiss Nelson goal. Of the outfield players, Nelson was the best of the bunch, although Takehiro Tomiyasu was close behind as he showed off his versatility across Arsenal's backline.
However, in this one, all eyes were on Ramsdale as he returned to Arsenal's XI. And, going forward, he certainly made his case, doing whatever he could to give Arteta something to think about.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Gtech Community Stadium ...