Thomas Frank lifts lid on what he told Arsenal gaffe keeper Aaron Ramsdale after pair spotted in lengthy conversation

THOMAS FRANK has revealed that he told Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale that he didn’t make a mistake against his side yesterday.

With David Raya ineligible to face parent club Brentford, Ramsdale, 25, stepped in to make his first Premier League appearance since the return fixture in November.

Reuters

Thomas Frank spoke to Aaron Ramsdale after the match[/caption]

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Ramsdale, 25, endured a nightmare moment[/caption]

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Ramsdale’s gaffe allowed Yoane Wissa to equalise[/caption]

In first half stoppage time he endured a nightmare moment, when his clearance was blocked into the net by Yoane Wissa.

Having been linked with a move away from the Emirates, and with Arsenal out of the FA Cup, yesterday’s match could be Ramsdale’s last for the club.

After the game, which Arsenal won 2-1 courtesy of Kai Havertz‘s late winner, Ramsdale was spotted conversing with Bees boss Frank on the pitch.

Quizzed about the conversation, the Dane, 50, said: “I think I actually said to Ramsdale I don’t think he deserves to be criticised for a mistake.

“I think it’s more unbelievable pressure from Wissa. If you see the way he accelerates it could happen to David Raya.

“I think it was fantastic pressure from Wissa and if you saw how many times they went long every single time we were very brave to go man to man.”

Pressed further for what he told Ramsdale, Frank added: “I said I think he’s a very good keeper and I didn’t want him to be involved in that situation.

“Again I can’t say strongly enough I don’t think it was a mistake, but very good pressure from Wissa.”

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also keen to deflect blame from Ramsdale.

The Spaniard, 41, said: “Really happy especially because he did exactly what he is, a person with huge personality and courage, very determined. Errors are part of football.

“It’s how you react to it, especially for the keepers which is probably the most difficult position. He did so in an amazing way.

“I’m not surprised because the whole team and the whole stadium was behind him. He has earned respect and admiration.

“We really wanted to win for him.”

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Ramsdale was left relieved when Kai Havertz netted Arsenal’s late winner[/caption]