Aaron Ramsey spoke to BT Sport after the 2-0 win over Napoli in the Europa League this season. Here’s what he had to say.
Read the match report and see the goals here.
How do you sum up the performance?
To keep a clean sheet and score a couple of goals is a lovely way to start the first leg so we’re delighted with that. We suffered a lot, they’re a very good team and they keep the ball really well so we had to dig in tonight. It’s a great start to the quarter-final.
Could you have scored more?
Yeah, I should have scored again in the second half but sometimes these things happen, we’re just delighted that we’ve kept a clean sheet, got a couple of goals, and we can go into the second leg with a bit of a cushion. But we know from past experience it’s not an easy place to go.
Your goal finished a great move, was it good to score early?
It’s always important to get the first goal, otherwise it’s difficult. We’re up against one of the best teams in Europe, but we dug in and helped each other out, we’re just looking forward to the second leg.
They’re a quality team, they’re second in Serie A. They’re tough to play against and we know from a couple of years back that’s a difficult place to go, but we have to be ready. We’ve given ourselves a great opportunity, we have to stick together, and see out this quarter-final.
How do you deal with your poor away form?
We have won away this season so we are capable of doing it! We haven’t done so well of late, but we’re confident we can put that right before the end of the season. We have six games left in the Premier League, hopefully we can finish the job and finish in the top four and then get through to the semi-finals.
Good luck replacing Ramsey in the summer.
Pity he didn’t get to play more seasons with Emery. I think he would’ve really made him into an all-around great player. He’s already improved his tactical awareness to a high level.
Honestly, he’s playing like a man possessed at the moment. I’ve been a Ramsey critic for a long time, but in this form he’s really a top, top player and will be missed.
Honestly, Ramsey has always shown up for Arsenal in big games played with the same intensity as before under Wenger. Wenger played him centrally but Emery (& Wales) is playing him in the final third in his best position. Shame we didn’t extend his contract but we must move on! Let’s hope he leaves Arsenal with a European title! COYG!!!
Lately he’s been playing centrally though, and he rocks that position.
Why do I see a Benfica vs Arsenal final ?
Rambo ???
I’m weak at the knees Sue, I’m weak at the knees <3
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What a performance from Rambo. Such a shame he couldn’t get his brace. Also AMN I thought had his best game yet. He had the smart assist for the opener and he showed real quality throughout the game. His passing is improving as is his positioning. And under the coolness you can see a real hunger. Every game I get more excited about him. His versatility is so helpful too.
Apart from Sunday…!!!
Would love to see Rambo hitting the winner past Kepa in the final.
We are all delighted
We are winning this cup for you! Legend ??
Such a shame he’s leaving but respect him all the more for how committed he continues to be every game he plays.
*Delighted*
Just unfortunate we are losing him when he is coming into his peak years. With the right structure around him in midfield, he has improved in his application gambling forward into the box. Torreira provided plenty of presence today as if he were making up for absence. Also Ozil much better today dropping to collect the ball. The game was won in midfield. First half Napoli barely threatened and with less duress on the back line, again a clean sheet. BUT Napoli were all over the place today despite their reputation this season and in most parts, it was due… Read more »
Couple of points: first, I would describe losing Ramsey as a tad more than “unfortunate”, especially as it was preventable but for the laxness of Wenger and the previous management team. Second, like Emery, I fear we’ll see a different Napoli at their ground. Their reputation at the SPS is well founded (I’ve seen them play there this season) and I’d expect us to be under heavy pressure from the whistle. Were we to concede (particularly early on), it will be “squeaky bum time” as Sir Alex would say. Clearly, our season, domestically and in Europe, will be defined by… Read more »
I think most Gooners would describe losing Ramsey as “unfortunate” to be one of the great understatements! Juventus have picked up one of the bargains of recent years, despite his reported wages there. Fortunately, the incompetence (of the previous management team) in getting us into the position where we have lost him is such circumstances is unlikely to be repeated. Like Emery, I think we’ll see a different Napoli at the SPS. I just hope we don’t concede an early goal there or it will be “squeaky bum time”. The remainder of our season will be defined by performances away… Read more »
How can a man be so good and creative and dynamic at playing football and yet be so boring every time he opens his mouth?
Can’t believe he’s leaving.