This time last season, Aaron Ramsey had been firing on all cylinders proving to be the spear-heard of Arsenal’s title challenge. It was also around this time that he would score that wonderful volley versus Liverpool at home to grab us three points. Scoring 16 goals in all competitions last season, it was expected that the Welshman would step up even further this season to reach the pinnacle of his potential at the age of just 23. Despite scoring the opener in our Community Shield victory over Man City and two dramatic late goals against Palace and Everton early in the season, Ramsey is yet to score since then, as he looks to change things around.
With this week’s home fixture against bottom of the table and struggling Burnley, I would expect Ramsey to be the player to keep an eye on, as it may just well be his time to step-up and kick-start his season. Burnley have hardly looked convincing this campaign, sitting on a measly 4 points as they take a trip to the daunting Emirates Stadium, a home where Arsenal prove to be thoroughly strong. Having not lost at home since last seasons opener to Villa, and with Aaron Ramsey arriving  back from injury and expected to start, Burnley’s defensive fragilities may just be the reason why Rambo will prove his critics.
Last season, it would be the same story for Ramsey. The majority of his goals were collected at the Emirates against lesser teams, of course some were not. His ability to drive into the opposition’s half and then make a deceiving late run onto the edge of the area and bury his finish was immense. A run that is so hard to track, Ramsey had mastered what pundits would hail the ‘Frank Lampard’ role. This proved most effective last season, and with Burnley hardly proving their worth, a man with such talent as Ramsey, may well score one or two on Saturday come 3pm.
This season Ramsey has been advanced further up the pitch, preventing his ability to burst late into the box, contribute to Flamini or Arteta’s defensive work, and make challenges in and around the centre circle to launch a counter-attack. Now playing in a pair with Wilshere, Wenger seems to think Ramsey’s finishing proves most effective there. But he seems to have been proven wrong.
I expect to see a 4-1-4-1 formation this week, again with Ramsey and Wilshere next to each other with Arteta just behind. However, I do not see this as too much of a problem as the pair can easily cause threat, especially Ramsey who is certainly due a goal. But, should the boss play a 4-2-3-1 with Ramsey deep, well we could see the best of Ramsey return.
Aaron Ramsey is our player to watch this week, and it should not be a surprise to see him making those special late runs, and attempting to fire long-range efforts past the keeper because… well… that’s what we have missed at Arsenal recently. I’m expecting one or two goals this week from the Welshman to regenerate his confidence and bring back the Ramsey of old. His energy and enthusiasm is matched by his developing talents. Talents that this week may well just prove the difference and sink Burnley.