Aaron Ramsdale has the last laugh as axed Arsenal keeper shows true colours at Brentford

BRENTFORD 0-1 ARSENAL: Aaron Ramsdale impressed after being recalled into the Gunners XI as he helped his side beat the Bees and secure their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round

Aaron Ramsdale was Arsenal’s hero as the England keeper had the last laugh on Brentford’s fans.

Ramsdale, 25, produced two sensational late saves to ensure Arsenal went into the fourth round thanks to Reiss Nelson’s early strike. Gunners keeper Ramsdale was taunted throughout the second half by the home fans because Brentford’s on-loan keeper David Raya has taken his place as first choice at the Emirates.

But Ramsdale showed tremendous character as he came in for the Carabao Cup and then denied Yoane Wissa with a sensational one-handed save to push the ball onto the post. Ramsdale promptly turned to the home fans and celebrated his save in front of them before then denying Frank Onyeka with another good stop as the visitors finished the match hanging on for dear life.

But they managed to get through even with a mix-and-match team against a largely out-of-sorts Brentford team who took far too long to get going. That will be a major concern to Brentford boss Thomas Frank who has built his team on passion, intensity and support from their fans.

But it was often subdued at the Gtech Community Stadium as they are going through a major dip in form and Frank will be desperate to turn it round as quickly as possible. Brentford went near full strength while Arsenal fielded teenage debutant Charles Sage Jr, the lesser spotted Emile Smith Rowe made his 100th appearance for the club while Raya did not even make the bench despite his parent club giving him permission to play.

Arsenal took a ninth minute lead after Brentford defender Zanka’s sloppy back pass reached Eddie Nketiah and his cut back found Nelson who coolly slotted into the far corner

Smith Rowe could have made it two after his jinking run through the Brentford defence but the Arsenal No10’s shot was saved by Brentford keeper Mark Flekken’s outstretched leg. Wissa missed a gilt-edged chance before the break but it was only after Frank rang the changes that the mood changed and suddenly Brentford showed some threat.

‌Ramsdale kept out Wish’s low shot, Onyeka was denied and then Bees substitute Keane Lewis-Potter saw his shot heroically blocked by Jakub Kiwior.

Arsenal were left to play on the break and Kai Havertz set up Nelson for the chance of a second only for the winger to fire wide. The visitors held on and saw it through with Ramsdale the hero of the away end