Michael Dawson makes Aaron Ramsdale claim amid Arsenal form

Michael Dawson has told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports that he believes that Aaron Ramsdale is now breathing down Jordan Pickford’s neck after his outstanding start to life with Arsenal.

Ramsdale made his England debut during the international break as Gareth Southgate’s men thrashed San Marino.

Obviously, the 23-year-old was given little to do. But the decision to hand him a start was symbolic given that Ramsdale has been one of the revelations of the season for the Gunners.

Ahead of his Three Lions debut, he had conceded just four goals in eight appearances in the top flight. Meanwhile, he had kept five clean sheets.

Many – including this particular writer – could not quite understand why Arsenal were willing to part with big money to bring Ramsdale to the Emirates in the summer. Of course, the move came off the back of two relegations in two years.

But the club have been vindicated in emphatic fashion. Ramsdale has been colossal since getting a chance.

And with England booking their spot at next year’s World Cup, thoughts will now be turning to who will be number one in Qatar.

Dawson suggested that Pickford will likely remain first-choice for the time-being. But he insisted that Ramsdale is certainly leaving Southgate with food for thought.

“He goes to Arsenal, doesn’t start at the start of the season, then gets in the team. It’s probably no surprise since he’s come in, the form he’s been in, he gets his cap in midweek for England, and he’s playing for Arsenal. That all of the sudden means, Jordan Pickford you’ve got someone chasing down your neck,” he told Soccer Saturday.

“He’ll be looking over his shoulder without a shadow of a doubt.”

Ramsdale still has point to prove despite brilliant form for Arsenal

Sheffield United fans would have probably laughed at the start of last season had they been told that Ramsdale would be an Arsenal stalwart and an England international 12 months later.

He has silenced a lot of his critics. His challenge now is to ensure that he maintains this form for a longer period.

There are going to be moments when he comes in for criticism. But if he can sustain anything like this sort of form over the next year, Pickford is going to struggle to keep his place.