There are weeks in the Premier League when there are three and even four derby matches (at least on paper), but this week is not that one. Today and tomorrow, the trophy favorites all have easy tasks, and Arsenal is in that category. Playing at home against Southampton who is not only a relegation candidate but also has a very negative record at the Emirates looks really easy. So, the media focus is certainly not about the tactics against the Saints, but rather the return of Aaron Ramsdale to his former club. The Englishman was expected to make a deeper impact in North London, but last season, the Spaniard David Raya pushed him out of the starting lineup. During the June transfer window, Ramsdale had to find a new environment and moved to the south, joining the promoted Southampton. Last season, Ramsdale played only 10 matches for Arsenal, six of which were in the Premier League.Hungry Saka announces an attack on Man City: “I think this is the year””My wife said: ‘Oh, you were on TV five times again today‘. I think the story is bigger than it should be. Sometimes I think it’s pressure on David as well,” Ramsdale told BBC. The Englishman said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of the club’s legend David Seaman and stay at Arsenal for a long time.”I did an interview with Seaman about my new contract in May 2023, and I wanted to be like him, to be here for eight to ten years. But just a few months later, I was out of the team. Raya was actually the first person to message me when I moved to Southampton from Arsenal. He was great. He’s a top goalkeeper, and this season he’s made several big saves that have saved Arsenal” Ramsdale emphasized.”I’d prefer to play than sit on the bench and win the Premier League.”A strong statement from Aaron Ramsdale.#BBCFootball #PL pic.twitter.com/cnT5pK39U6— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 4, 2024 Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta admitted that he’s looking forward to Ramsdale’s return to the Emirates.”I called him as soon as I got the news that he joined Southampton. He was really happy. He’s a player we loved a lot, very charismatic, and he really left his mark here at the club. It will be great to see him again,” said the Spanish coach.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 7Saturday 14.30: (6.00) Crystal Palace (4.10) Liverpool (1.55)17.00: (1.15) Arsenal (8.00) Southampton (16.0)17.00: (2.10) Brentford (3.50) Wolverhampton (3.80)17.00: (3.35) Leicester (3.50) Bournemouth (2.25)17.00: (1.28) Man.City (6.75) Fulham (10.5)17.00: (1.85) West Ham (3.60) Ipswich (4.30)19.30: (3.20) Everton (3.50) Newcastle (2.20)Sunday 16.00: (2.25) Aston Villa (3.50) Man.Utd. (3.10)16.00: (1.47) Chelsea (4.40) Nott.Forest (6.75)18.30: (3.05) Brighton (3.70) Tottenham (2.35)***odds are subject to change***
