Ramsdale: 'Arsenal didn't shoot themselves in the foot'

"People think we shot ourselves in the foot, but that's just a cheap conclusion," Ramsdale said on May 19. "They don't think about the miracles Arsenal have achieved this season. Of course we are disappointed to lose the top of the table, but extremely proud of ourselves."

Arsenal lead the Premier League from round 3 to round 33 this season, but a streak of three draws and one loss from round 30 to 33 makes Arsenal overtaken by Man City to take the top of the table. Pep Guardiola's army only needs to win at least one of the remaining three matches to win the title, and Arsenal's chance of coronation after 19 years is only theoretical.

Ramsdale doesn't think Arsenal "shot themselves in the foot", in part because of Man City's fearsome power. "We cannot be blamed as the opponent prepares to win the title for the fifth time in the last six seasons in the Premier League," said the 25-year-old goalkeeper. "They have won 11 games in a row and can win three major trophies this season. We also have to be realistic."

Ramsdale understands that coach Mikel Arteta is also frustrated that sometimes players do not play as he wants. "But Arteta never said bad things in the dressing room right after the game," added the England goalkeeper. "The coach always gives us some positive energy after each meeting, so that the whole team remembers the goal."

Ramsdale gave the example of Arteta wanting his students to break Arsenal's record for wins in a single Premier League season. The team's record is currently 26 games in the 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 seasons. Arsenal have won 25 of their 36 games this season. If they win all six points from the remaining two matches, they will break the above record.

In the immediate future, Arsenal play their last away game this season against Nottingham Forest - the team is 16th and has not yet guaranteed relegation. A week later, Arteta's teachers and students returned to the Emirates in the final round to meet Wolverhampton.