Arsenal are a changed group fueled by ‘burning fire’, says Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal’s huddle after the goal during the north London derby, the mini-team talk and all, was an indication of a new mentality within the team. According to Aaron Ramsdale, there is a “burning fire” to succeed this season, which stems from the disappointment they missed qualifying for the Champions League last time out. Players are demanding more from each other – a trait Ramsdale observes every day in training and on matchdays.

“It’s not just the guys who came in who brought that winning mentality with them,” he says. “We all have this fire inside of us because of what happened at the end of last season. The experiences at the end of last season add to our team spirit and mentality.

“The day I returned to pre-season – two weeks late from internationals – I came back and the standard of training had improved. People demanded more from each other and the training is much more competitive. There were always certain people who got angry when they lost in training, but now it’s a collective. When we go back to the dressing room after practice there are some jokes but it’s great because the team spirit is really really strong.”

Ramsdale believes the team is now more mature and better able to deal with the emotions of life at the front of the Premier League battlefield. It helps them develop this healthy habit of regrouping and reacting after a setback.