There was something rather touching about Aaron Ramsey’s reaction to scoring the winner for Arsenal against Burnley last week as he spoke of his “joy” at the goal and at having reached 150 Premier League appearances.
To most, it is an irrelevant statistic, but the pride Ramsey took in it perhaps gave an indication of just how much he has doubted himself as he has battled injury after injury.
For a time it seemed last season would be his apotheosis.
He struggled to regain fitness and form after his horrific leg break in 2010, to the point that there was a section of Arsenal fans who would boo him.
At the beginning of last season he was playing so well, scoring so often, it seemed he might almost single-handedly lead Arsenal to the title.
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Certainly, he was the major reason that they spent so much of the autumn at the top of the table.
The myth has grown that if Ramsey had not been injured, again, Arsenal would have won the title.
Losing the 24-year-old Wales international for four months was a serious blow to Arsenal; they struggled to replicate his blend of energy and intelligent use of the ball.
But the wobble had begun before Ramsey strained his thigh against West Ham on Boxing Day as they had taken just two points from the three games before that.
Ramsey had the satisfaction of scoring the winner against Hull City in the FA Cup final in what might not have been the glory many dreamed of in November, but it did end Arsenal’s nine-year wait for a trophy.
This season has not been as spectacular as last as three hamstring injuries have made it hard for Ramsey to settle into any kind of rhythm.
The signing of Alexis Sanchez and the emergence of Francis Coquelin mean that Ramsey has been less prominent.
Lately, though, as Arsenal prepare for another FA Cup semi-final – Saturday against Reading – he has started to approach the standards of the beginning of last season.
He has scored four goals in his past six games, one of them for Wales.
Arsenal are clicking and have won eight in succession with Ramsey key to that because of his drive, invention and the flexibility he offers.
He can play in central midfield as one of a holding pair, or on the right of a central three.
He can also play on the right flank in a 4-2-3-1, where he offers aggression and energy, as he did, perhaps most notably, against Liverpool, when Arsenal’s pressing in the opening 15 minutes had Brendan Rodgers’s side in serious trouble.
Pressing effectively has been the most encouraging aspect for Arsenal in this recent run of form.
Where they have struggled against the elite in recent seasons has been in the sloppiness of their pressing – not so much a lack of energy or effort as of organisation – but that has improved dramatically of late.
They also have shown, as at Manchester City, that they can sit deep and contain in that way.
For a long time, it seemed Arsenal had no way of stopping the opposition playing, but now they have two methods and Ramsey is central to both, as well as being able to pass and finish.
The vital thing for him is to stay clear of injuries for a protracted period.
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