Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale ‘losing the plot’ with celebrations and manager Mikel Arteta too animated on touchline, but Simon Jordan says football ‘needs passion’

Danny Murphy has urged Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to keep his emotions in check following his antics against Manchester United.

The England goalkeeper let out a wild celebration following Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday – which helped to secure a 3-1 victory – even though he didn’t actually save it as the ball hit the post.

While few could begrudge Ramsdale the chance to celebrate a match-defining moment, the nature of his celebrations has led to criticism.

The £30million signing has earned a bit of a reputation for his showboating and tongue-in-cheek interactions with supporters since his move to north London.

But former Liverpool man Murphy told talkSPORT his celebrations were reminiscent of Martin Keown’s infamous outcry following Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s penalty miss at Old Trafford, and has told him to tone it down.

Discussing the incident, Murphy said on Monday’s White and Jordan show: “I’m a bit torn on it, to be honest.

“I’m not that bothered, but I think he’ll look back on it and think that if he wants to be an England goalkeeper he must keep his emotions intact, you know? The game isn’t over.

“He didn’t save it, it hit the post. He just forgot where he was for a second and I think he’ll look back on it and think ‘I’ve got to leave that be’.

“I always think when you’re getting too emotionally involved you’re detracting from your own performance.

“When you start getting to the Martin Keown in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s face or Ramsdale jumping out [against United], I think you’re losing the plot a little bit. It’s all a bit for fans.

“I understand it, but if I was his manager I’d be saying, ‘Don’t do that again’.

“The best example of reining that emotional aspect of his football is [Jordan] Pickford, that’s why he’s still England No.1.

“If Ramsdale’s got sights on taking over from Pickford at some point… there’s nothing wrong with passion and if you save the penalty I’d understand it – but he didn’t save it.”

While Ramsdale’s celebrations are not strictly the responsibility of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Murphy believes that the Spaniard must take a look at his own actions, too.

Arteta has also developed a bit of a reputation for his antics on the sidelines, where he is rarely stood still as he barks instructions to his players and reacts to the action on the pitch.

“I’m a big believer that your players can sometimes mimic your behaviour as a manager,” Murphy added.

“I was very fortunate that two or three of my best managers were very calm, articulate, laid back guys who you never got histrionics out of.

“I think that our performances on the pitch mirrored theirs and our behaviours.

“Arteta could do himself a favour and rein himself in a little bit.”

Simon Jordan also weighed in on the Ramsdale and Arteta debate, insisting football is sometimes missing passion from players and managers.

However, the former Crystal Palace was torn as he also said he would much prefer his players and managers to have more ‘elegance’ in their behaviour on the pitch and sideline.

“Sometimes you want to see the passion, commitment and motivation to be successful,” said Jordan.

“It’s along the lines of money talks and wealth whispers, that sort of thing, if you’ve done something meaningful.

“I like people to treat success and failure in the same way.

“I remember when I was at Palace and when my team scored I never got up and celebrated because that’s what I expected them to do. I expected them to score and win games, whether they did or not was another matter.

“I would rather that the goalkeeper or players managed that situation in a more elegant way.

“I also want jeopardy in the game. I want people up and at it and a little bit of that edge to the game, so I’m on the fence.”

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