Ramsdale claims failed Arteta, Arsenal ploy before Liverpool drubbing only scratches surface of ‘different’ manager

Aaron Ramsdale says an eye-catching but ultimately failed Mikel Arteta ploy to help Arsenal beat Liverpool is a prime example of his coach’s unique skills.

Ramsdale was speaking amid the release of Amazon’s All or Nothing documentary covering the Gunners’ 2021/22 campaign. In one clip, manager Arteta plays Anfield anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ through speakers on the training ground.

The ploy came ahead of Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool on Merseyside in November.

Arteta reveals in the documentary how he wanted his players to avoid feeling how he felt during a 5-1 defeat for Arsenal at Anfield in 2014, when Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge ran riot.

However, the experiment ultimately failed as Jurgen Klopp’s men were convincing winners. Sadio Mane opened the scoring, with Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Takumi Minamino also netting.

Speaking about Arteta’s training session before the game – which also featured crowd noise – England goalkeeper Ramsdale admitted he does not think the experiment will happen again. However, he added that such tactics are part and parcel of Arteta’s coaching.

“I’ve never experienced the speakers before. I don’t think they will be coming back!” Ramsdale said.

“But we could all see what the method was – it’s one of those stadiums where, if it gets on top of you, it can be too much.

His [Arteta’s] team talks are definitely different. I think he keeps it fresh because sometimes he is writing, sometimes he talks, sometimes he lets some of the lads talk.

“It keeps you engaged and lets you into his life as well. There are new things we have found out about him over the past year that you would never find out unless he wrote a book or something.”

Arsenal performed much better against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in March, but still lost 2-0.

Arsenal, Ramsdale hoping for big season

However, the Gunners have big hopes for the season ahead.

They have solved a big problem by bringing in a new striker in former Manchester City man Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal have also added to their midfield with ex-Porto star Fabio Vieira and could yet sign another midfielder.

What are Arsenal's aspirations for the season ahead?

What are the minimum targets Mikel Arteta is aiming to hit with Arsenal this season?

The aim is to go one better than last season, when Tottenham pipped them to a top-four Premier League finish.

But Tottenham – as well as Chelsea and Manchester United – have all improved too.