Not for the first time, Arsenal are robbed of Aaron Ramsey just as the Welshman is on top of his game. The 26-year-old sustained a hamstring injury late on in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton and having already used up all of their subs, Arsene Wenger was unable to bring the midfielder off. However, as has been the case in the past, Ramsey sustained another issue just as he was nearing his best form.
While there has been ongoing reservations over Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez’s ongoing contract discussions at the Emirates Stadium, and whether they leave in January or the end of the season, Ramsey has been quietly going about his business in the Arsenal midfield. No Gunners star has had a direct hand in more goals than Ramsey (9 – 3 goals and 6 assists) in the Premier League this season. Since Wenger’s decision to revert to a 3-4-2-1 formation, he’s been the greatest beneficiary in the shift in setup, with his talents being maximised to their full potential.
Indeed, in the time since Wenger’s change in system – Arsenal have predominantly lined up with a three-man defence since the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough back in mid-April – only Alexis (14) has more goals and assists combined than Ramsey (13). As the more forward-thinking midfielder in the middle of the park, Ramsey has been able to press forward and exploit the space vacated by Alexis and Ozil when they pull to the wings in the final third.
With markers dragged out of position, Ramsey can push into attack and utilise his goalscoring quality or ability to create for others. Since mid-April, only Ozil (74) and Alexis (43) have made more key passes than Ramsey (30) as the latter is able to pry apart opposition defences with consummate ease. In previous seasons, Wenger has often looked to crowbar Ramsey into the starting XI, either as one of the two deep lying midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation or out wide to help provide further defensive cover to the full-backs.
His work off the ball, though, remains a tremendous asset for Arsenal, just in a 3-4-2-1 formation, it’s done so in more threatening areas of the pitch. No player has won possession in the attacking third more times than Ramsey (14) in England’s top tier this term. As the more advanced midfielder, he is able to win the ball in front of the opposition’s goal and work a chance for teammates or test the goalkeeper himself and it’s his tireless contribution both on and off the ball that would be sorely missed over the coming weeks would he be ruled out for a lengthy spell.
The conundrum for Wenger now is how to sufficiently replace Ramsey in the XI with a player who offers similar drive from midfield. The logical solution is Jack Wilshere, who made just his fifth league appearance of the season off the bench against Southampton on Sunday. Yet, while Ramsey is prone to injury, Wilshere is more so and with his contract expiring next year, he’s very much a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Leon Gortezka, who would provide ideal competition for Ramsey given their similar approach in midfield.
For the time being, however, Wenger needs to hope Ramsey’s latest setback doesn’t affect the team too much. This calendar year, Arsenal have lost 11 Premier League games. Four of those have come in the 11 matches Ramsey has not started since the beginning of 2017. With meetings with Liverpool and Chelsea looming, the Gunners can take solace in that Ramsey’s injury won’t keep him sidelined in the long term and that he should be back for the matches against their league rivals.
While it’s crucial not to rush Ramsey back to fitness quickly, his absence may hinder their chances of a Champions League finish. With the Premier League title race all but over, the best those behind Manchester City can hope for is to secure a spot in Europe’s elite club competition for next season. Wenger must now be hoping Ramsey’s injury doesn’t have long-lasting repercussions in their bid to secure a top-4 finish.
