Arsenal to go down? Ramsdale’s shocking relegation record

Cameron Smith

Updated: 24 Aug 2021 09:47 BST
3 min read

New Arsenal signing Ramsdale — © ProShots

Arsenal have endured a rough start to the season, suffering 2-0 defeats to both Brentford and Chelsea in their opening two Premier League games of the 2021/22 season.

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The Gunners had impressed in the second-half of last season, with Mikel Arteta praised for the way he managed to turn their campaign around despite still finishing outside the European places and down in eighth. But they haven't begun the new season well.

Romelu Lukaku and Ivan Toney both dominated against the Arsenal central defenders, and it's clear that defensive fragility is a big problem. Gabriel Magalhaes will of course return, but it's a worrying sign for Arteta.

However, other than the expensive arrival of Ben White, who has replaced the departed David Luiz, the club haven't strengthened too much at the heart of defence, and have instead spent a reported £25 million, rising to £30m with add-ons, on goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale, who was England's third choice goalkeeper at Euro 2020, will provide competition for Bernd Leno, who has been the number one at the Emirates ever since arriving from the Bundesliga.

The signing of Ramsdale is therefore a slightly strange one, as they don't need him, and because of his woeful Premier League record.

Ramsdale's relegation record:

Arsenal are the third club that Ramsdale will have played for in the Premier League, with Bournemouth and Sheffield United coming first.

Rated highly amongst the England coaches, Ramsdale was handed his big break at Bournemouth during the 2019/20 season. He couldn't help them stay up, however, as they finished 18th, just one point away from safety. Relegation number one ticked off.

Preview: Ramsdale set to make Arsenal debut in Carabao Cup

The following season he was signed by Sheffield United for around £18.5m to replace Dean Henderson, who returned to Manchester United after a successful loan spell at Bramall Lane. Filling the boots of Henderson proved to be a tricky task for Ramsdale, and while he had a post shot xG of +1.9, meaning he should've conceded 1.9 goals more than he did last year, it wasn't enough as they ended the season rock bottom of the table.

With two relegations in his past two full seasons in the English top flight, Ramsdale certainly doesn't have the best record in the division. He likely won't be first choice this year, and even if he does manage to oust Leno it's hard to imagine him repeating the relegation feat once more.

While Arsenal have started poorly, they have stars to return to fitness, and plenty of time to regain form. However, stranger things have happened in football, and it could be three for three for Ramsdale if the Gunners can't rectify this situation.