Wednesday night started as it ended for Aaron Ramsdale, with the travelling Arsenal fans singing his name at the Gtech Community Stadium.
They were right too, because the Gunners had Ramsdale to thank for finding a way past Brentford with a 1-0 win in the Carabao Cup.
Having lost his place in the team to David Raya, this was Ramsdale’s chance to shine and he took it.
The 25-year-old reminded Mikel Arteta of his quality, excelling with his distribution and making a stunning second-half save to tip Yoane Wissa’s shot onto the post.
It was a big moment at a time in the game when Arsenal looked vulnerable.
Arteta insisted afterwards he does not need to witness moments like that to know how talented Ramsdale is, but his starring display felt timely nonetheless.
“I am the one who signed him when everyone else was questioning that decision,” said Arteta.
That is true, but Arteta also brought in Raya this summer and selected him as his No1 for games against Everton, PSV in the Champions League and Tottenham.
A year ago, a Carabao Cup tie would have been a night off for the England goalkeeper.
But it provided him a chance to start and he produced a performance full of fight, and one that dispelled any fears he could be sulking.
Ramsdale was his usual self, giving as good as he got to the Brentford fans who taunted him all night.
“You’re just a s*** David Raya” was belted out on more than one occasion, but it was Ramsdale who had the last laugh.
After keeping out Wissa, he turned to home supporters behind the goal and roared back at them.
In the dying moments, when he claimed a cross as Arsenal saw out their win, Ramsdale turned and pointed at a fan, before breaking out in a huge grin.
Arteta has spoken a lot about “different personalities” when discussing the battle between Raya and Ramsdale, and the latter showed his last night.
Ramsdale is an extrovert, who is not afraid to be cheeky. It is why he is a popular figure in the Arsenal dressing room and among fans.
Before kick-off the travelling supporters made it clear he is still a fan favourite, singing his name after the Arsenal players had dispersed from their huddle.
Ramsdale likes a laugh and joke, but he is a fighter too. He has been his entire career and it is why this performance should not have come as a surprise.
He was let go by Bolton aged 15 due to concerns over his height and kicking. He then spent years on loan in the lower leagues before suffering multiple relegations.
Even when he finally got his big move to Arsenal, Ramsdale had to cope with social media abuse to the extent he turned off his comments.
After going through all that to make it this far, he is not about to give up his spot without a fight.
