I would agree with your theory. Ramsdale had a close bond with the north bank fans too, and it was those very fans who I vividly recall going apoplectic on Raya after his mistake from which Alvarez almost scored. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing, and I knew very well it was because they prefer Ramsdale to start. Many fans’ fondness of a player influences their view on their footballing abilities. Raya is the better keeper, he is just more assured and you can see that.

I love Ramsdale too, and I really do feel for him. It must not be nice to lose your spot, and as a goalkeeper that’s even worse, but my single biggest criticism of Wenger was him not being ruthless enough with players. Wenger continued with players far longer than they deserved and that hindered progress. I can’t now sit here and say I don’t like the action took by Arteta. It was ruthless, and he made that decision well in advance of it costing us significant moments.