Speaking for the first time since suffering a horrific leg break last week against Stoke, Aaron Ramsey insisted that he would come back better than ever. He then reserved special praise for Glen Whelan, the first player to react and help him as he lay on the ground in agony.
Ramsey, 19, said, "I remember what happened clearly and after the tackle went in I saw that my leg was broken and hanging at an angle. I have seen images of the aftermath again but I don't want to dwell too much on the challenge as I can't change what has happened."
The Welsh youngster broke his leg in a challenge with Ryan Shawcross. The Stoke players heavy first touch opened the ball up to interception and as Ramsey stretched to prod the ball away, his studs became caught in the ground.
Shawcross, who was called into Fabio Capello's England squad this week, then made an extremely heavy tackle when there was little need to do so.
Missing the ball completely, he caught Ramsey just above the ankle and shattered his leg.
When asked if he had anything to say to Shawcross, Ramsey fell understandably quiet.
He said, "It is difficult for me to take everything in at the moment."
Ramsey added, "I thought I had been progressing well this season so, of course, this is a real setback. I had an operation last weekend and while it will take time for my leg to heal, I am determined and focused on overcoming this injury and hope to be back fitter and stronger than before. I am young and have time on my side."
Ramsey is one of the hottest prospects British football today. Having pulled off a major coup by snapping up the kid from under the noses of Manchester United and Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger sees the youth as the future of the club.
Many feel that he is the obvious heir to Cesc Fabregas, especially as the Spaniard has signalled that he wishes to return to Barcelona some day.
An emotional Ramsey then went on to thank Stoke City's Irish midfielder, Glen Whelan.
Whelan was the first player to react after the horror challenge and comforted the stricken youth as he lay on the ground. Simple gestures from Whelan such as shielding Ramsey from seeing his damaged leg while gently talking to him in an effort to calm him down have not gone unnoticed by the Arsenal player. Whelan also called to other Arsenal players to help their teammate before letting the medical staff takeover.
"Glenn Whelan was especially kind and I really appreciated his immediate assistance on the pitch," said an grateful Ramsey.
He added, "I have also been overwhelmed by the terrific support I've received from so many people, including fans from many different clubs.
"In particular, I would like to thank the medical team here at Arsenal for their efforts as well as the staff at both hospitals, and the medical support from Stoke City.
"I also want to say thanks to Arsenal for helping my family this week.
"Last, but certainly not least, I have been blown away by the fantastic messages of support from the Arsenal fans. I am proud to be an Arsenal player and your support has been incredibly touching.
"I also want to wish my teammates all the best for the remainder of the season. I know we are capable of winning a trophy and I will be backing them all the way."
Arsenal are one of three teams with a real chance of winning the English Premier League this season, and with only nine games to go and a relatively easy run in, they have every chance.
Ramsey had made 18 appearances for the Gunners this season before it was cut so cruelly short. He has received much support in wishing him a speedy recovery.
One of the players who has wished him well is another Irish Stoke midfielder, Rory Delap. Over the past couple of seasons he has become something of a bane for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal as he possesses one of the fastest and longest throws in world football. Aided with such a weapon he has contributed four assists for Stoke against the Gunners alone.
In 2006, Delap suffered the exact same injury as Ramsey but made a full recovery and returned to action almost eight months later, faster and stronger than ever.
Arsenal fans will hope for a speedy recovery.
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Showing posts with label Aaron Ramsey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aaron Ramsey. Show all posts
Mar 7, 2010
Mar 3, 2010
Was Aaron Ramsey's Injury A Result Of Declining Coaching Standards?
Recriminations and questions have been flying since Aaron Ramsey picked up an horrific leg break following Ryan Shawcross' tackle. Perhaps the most pertinent being, was the tackle a result of a fall in coaching standards at both clubs?
As with any incident in a football match, there are a million little things that have to happen first.
The episode began with Ryan Shawcross in possession. Although there were a few Arsenal players in attendance, he wasn't under what you would consider as being heavy pressure.
Shawcross' touch here was unusually heavy, letting the ball drift from his sphere of influence to where an opposing player could easily attack the ball.
With the ball now in no-man's land, Aaron Ramsey's quicker reaction meant he was going to get to the ball first.
However, the Arsenal player was not going to be in a position to take possession, hence his stretched attempt to stab the ball away from the on rushing Shawcross.
In this section of the episode, Ramsey attacked the ball wrong.
Seeing that Shawcross was coming in, full forced to attack the ball, the Arsenal youngster had two options.
1) Tackle side on, thus protecting himself in the challenge.
2) Get both feet as close to the ball as possible thus allowing himself to prod the ball away and jump at the same time, avoiding the challenge.
His inexperience showed here as he stretched into the tackle and prodded the ball away. With his feet set so far apart, he had no other choice than to plant his foot in the ground for balance.
Meaning that when Shawcross came in for the ball that was not there anymore he made contact with Ramsey's leg.
The Arsenal player had not protected himself, nor set himself up to avoid the challenge, his foot could not move, and he ended up with an horrific break.
Going back to Shawcross' lunge.
This tackle is what is known as a statement tackle. It is one of the most important parts of the game, such a tackle can be as good as a goal in regards to lifting players and fans alike, as well as being a massive psychological blow to the opposing team.
Having lost possession with his poor touch, Shawcross was left with no other option that to tackle, and he chose to make a statement.
The thing about these kind of tackles is that you do not make them in 50/50 type challenge. The secret to these is that they are as close to guaranteed tackles as you can make, thus allowing yourself the extra power to clatter into your opponent, letting him know he's in a game.
In short, Shawcross chose the wrong tackle.
Then he tackled with the wrong leg.
By coming across Ramsey with his right leg, which was further away, Shawcross stretched and came down upon where the ball used to be.
Had he used his left, as he should have, his natural inclination would have been to either block tackle the ball, or slide in. Either decision and Ramsey would have probably come off without a broken leg.
Had both players tackled properly and neither player would have been injured.
Tackling is a skill, as equally important as heading or scoring or passing. When done right, it is a thing of rare beauty.
One of the reasons that makes football such a wonderful sport is that it caters for every type of player. Big, small, fast, slow, precocious youth or wily old journeyman.
Small players like Lionel Messi can outwit the big cumbersome defender through trickery and guile.
While the untalented player can out fight his more illustrious opponent if his work rate and determination is not matched.
Last weekend two cultures that should be allowed to exist side by side clashed and the result was Aaron Ramsey breaking his leg.
Some have been quick to point the finger at Stoke's style and Shawcross' impulsive challenge.
We now have the knowledge that an average of almost 20 injuries are incurred per game, ranging from niggles that almost go unnoticed to injuries that keep players on the sidelines for indefinite time periods.
67 percent of all injuries that are picked up are based in the lower extremities (from the knee down) and the most common injury being damaged ankle ligaments, which were four times more likely to happen during practice.
However, football should be allowed to exist in it's current state. These occurrences are rare, but are as likely to happen on the training ground as on the field of play.
Which brings us back to coaching standards.
Passing, shooting, heading, etc are all technical skills and are easily practised and taught. Tackling however, is one of the hardest parts of the game to educate upon, and is glossed over by many coaches.
Had either player been thought to tackle correctly in that situation, and nobody would have been hurt.
To read about FIFA's campaign to ban tackles such as these click here
Share
As with any incident in a football match, there are a million little things that have to happen first.
The episode began with Ryan Shawcross in possession. Although there were a few Arsenal players in attendance, he wasn't under what you would consider as being heavy pressure.
Shawcross' touch here was unusually heavy, letting the ball drift from his sphere of influence to where an opposing player could easily attack the ball.
With the ball now in no-man's land, Aaron Ramsey's quicker reaction meant he was going to get to the ball first.
However, the Arsenal player was not going to be in a position to take possession, hence his stretched attempt to stab the ball away from the on rushing Shawcross.
In this section of the episode, Ramsey attacked the ball wrong.
Seeing that Shawcross was coming in, full forced to attack the ball, the Arsenal youngster had two options.
1) Tackle side on, thus protecting himself in the challenge.
2) Get both feet as close to the ball as possible thus allowing himself to prod the ball away and jump at the same time, avoiding the challenge.
His inexperience showed here as he stretched into the tackle and prodded the ball away. With his feet set so far apart, he had no other choice than to plant his foot in the ground for balance.
Meaning that when Shawcross came in for the ball that was not there anymore he made contact with Ramsey's leg.
The Arsenal player had not protected himself, nor set himself up to avoid the challenge, his foot could not move, and he ended up with an horrific break.
Going back to Shawcross' lunge.
This tackle is what is known as a statement tackle. It is one of the most important parts of the game, such a tackle can be as good as a goal in regards to lifting players and fans alike, as well as being a massive psychological blow to the opposing team.
Having lost possession with his poor touch, Shawcross was left with no other option that to tackle, and he chose to make a statement.
The thing about these kind of tackles is that you do not make them in 50/50 type challenge. The secret to these is that they are as close to guaranteed tackles as you can make, thus allowing yourself the extra power to clatter into your opponent, letting him know he's in a game.
In short, Shawcross chose the wrong tackle.
Then he tackled with the wrong leg.
By coming across Ramsey with his right leg, which was further away, Shawcross stretched and came down upon where the ball used to be.
Had he used his left, as he should have, his natural inclination would have been to either block tackle the ball, or slide in. Either decision and Ramsey would have probably come off without a broken leg.
Had both players tackled properly and neither player would have been injured.
Tackling is a skill, as equally important as heading or scoring or passing. When done right, it is a thing of rare beauty.
One of the reasons that makes football such a wonderful sport is that it caters for every type of player. Big, small, fast, slow, precocious youth or wily old journeyman.
Small players like Lionel Messi can outwit the big cumbersome defender through trickery and guile.
While the untalented player can out fight his more illustrious opponent if his work rate and determination is not matched.
Last weekend two cultures that should be allowed to exist side by side clashed and the result was Aaron Ramsey breaking his leg.
Some have been quick to point the finger at Stoke's style and Shawcross' impulsive challenge.
We now have the knowledge that an average of almost 20 injuries are incurred per game, ranging from niggles that almost go unnoticed to injuries that keep players on the sidelines for indefinite time periods.
67 percent of all injuries that are picked up are based in the lower extremities (from the knee down) and the most common injury being damaged ankle ligaments, which were four times more likely to happen during practice.
However, football should be allowed to exist in it's current state. These occurrences are rare, but are as likely to happen on the training ground as on the field of play.
Which brings us back to coaching standards.
Passing, shooting, heading, etc are all technical skills and are easily practised and taught. Tackling however, is one of the hardest parts of the game to educate upon, and is glossed over by many coaches.
Had either player been thought to tackle correctly in that situation, and nobody would have been hurt.
To read about FIFA's campaign to ban tackles such as these click here
Share
FIFA Out To Ban The Slide Tackle
Since the start of this season's English Premier League, referees have been under the spotlight. As the FA launched their pitiful "Respect" campaign, FIFA also made it known that they wanted certain types of tackling eliminated from the game...
Feb 28, 2010
Video: Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey Breaks His Leg After Ryan Shawcross Tackle
It was a vital win for Wenger's young guns. With Chelsea surprisingly losing 4-2 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal needed to win.
The game, however, will be most remembered for the tragic injury to Welsh wunderkind Aaron Ramsey.
Shawcross was in possession and took a very heavy touch that opened the ball up to Ramsey to take. The young Gunner then showed his inexperience by pulling on the ball while the Stoke man went in to tackle, and with the ball having been cleared, Shawcross caught Ramsey just above the ankle and shattered it.
The injury was so bad that TV producers refused to replay the incident.
The Stoke player was distraught as Ramsey writhed in pain on the ground. It was an accidental tackle that the referee overreacted to by sending Shawcross off, the reactions of certain Arsenal players perhaps guiding the referee's decision.
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Feb 27, 2010
Horrific Injury To Aaron Ramsey Mars Arsenal's Vital EPL Win Over Stoke
Arsenal showed the tough side of their character Saturday as they battled to a 3-1 win in the face of adversity at Britannia Stadium.
Having gone behind, the Gunners also had to deal with the loss of Aaron Ramsey with an horrific leg break, before scoring three unanswered goals for a win that moved them to just three points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.
This was always going to be one of Arsenal's hardest games from their remaining fixtures. Britannia has never been a happy hunting ground for Arsene Wenger, and the Gunners knew they would have to overcome an intense physical battle if they were to maintain their title challenge.
Stoke City took the lead through a headed goal from ex-Manchester United youth Danny Pugh after he stooped to meet a headed flick on from another ex-United player, Ryan Shawcross.
Arsenal knew exactly what to expect, and when Rory Delap set himself up for the long throw, it was disappointing to see the Gunners deal with the set piece so poorly. Thomas Vermaelan played the percentages and dropped right off Shawcross, who was allowed to meet the ball unchallenged; the Belgian then played Pugh onside as he opened the scoring.
This was the fourth goal Arsenal have conceded from a Delap throw-in, so you would like to think that they would have learned their lesson by now.
The much-maligned Niclas Bendtner equalized with an exquisite lofted header, before Cesc Fabregas scored from the spot and then turned provider for Vermaelan, who tapped in from close range.
It was a vital win for Wenger's young guns. With Chelsea surprisingly losing 4-2 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal needed to win.
The game, however, will be most remembered for the tragic injury to Welsh wunderkind Aaron Ramsey.
Shawcross was in possession and took a very heavy touch that opened the ball up to Ramsey to take. The young Gunner then showed his inexperience by pulling on the ball while the Stoke man went in to tackle, and with the ball having been cleared, Shawcross caught Ramsey just above the ankle and shattered it.
The injury was so bad that TV producers refused to replay the incident.
The Stoke player was distraught as Ramsey writhed in pain on the ground. It was an accidental tackle that the referee overreacted to by sending Shawcross off, the reactions of certain Arsenal players perhaps guiding the referee's decision.
With the game at 1-1 and with one of their star kids having gone off injured, Arsenal had every excuse to retract back into their shell and see the game out.
But not this one. Arsenal, quite rightly, have been criticized for a lack of character in tough situations. All too often over the last five years have the Gunners capitulated when excuses have presented themselves.
Having learned a valuable lesson from Eduardo da Silva's horrific leg break almost exactly two years ago, the Gunners rolled up their sleeves and battled to a much deserved win.
Led by the phenomenal Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal sprayed the ball around Stoke's 10 men with ease and stretched Tony Pulis' well-drilled side to such an extent that the scoreline could have been far greater.
It is most noteworthy that this was the first time Arsenal have won at Stoke since 1982. An impressive win that will go a long way in determining the title race.
Only three points separates Chelsea on top, with Manchester United and Arsenal at 60 and 58 points, respectively, to the Blues' 61. And with the Gunners having the easiest run in by far, they are very much potential Champions.
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Having gone behind, the Gunners also had to deal with the loss of Aaron Ramsey with an horrific leg break, before scoring three unanswered goals for a win that moved them to just three points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.
This was always going to be one of Arsenal's hardest games from their remaining fixtures. Britannia has never been a happy hunting ground for Arsene Wenger, and the Gunners knew they would have to overcome an intense physical battle if they were to maintain their title challenge.
Stoke City took the lead through a headed goal from ex-Manchester United youth Danny Pugh after he stooped to meet a headed flick on from another ex-United player, Ryan Shawcross.
Arsenal knew exactly what to expect, and when Rory Delap set himself up for the long throw, it was disappointing to see the Gunners deal with the set piece so poorly. Thomas Vermaelan played the percentages and dropped right off Shawcross, who was allowed to meet the ball unchallenged; the Belgian then played Pugh onside as he opened the scoring.
This was the fourth goal Arsenal have conceded from a Delap throw-in, so you would like to think that they would have learned their lesson by now.
The much-maligned Niclas Bendtner equalized with an exquisite lofted header, before Cesc Fabregas scored from the spot and then turned provider for Vermaelan, who tapped in from close range.
It was a vital win for Wenger's young guns. With Chelsea surprisingly losing 4-2 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal needed to win.
The game, however, will be most remembered for the tragic injury to Welsh wunderkind Aaron Ramsey.
Shawcross was in possession and took a very heavy touch that opened the ball up to Ramsey to take. The young Gunner then showed his inexperience by pulling on the ball while the Stoke man went in to tackle, and with the ball having been cleared, Shawcross caught Ramsey just above the ankle and shattered it.
The injury was so bad that TV producers refused to replay the incident.
The Stoke player was distraught as Ramsey writhed in pain on the ground. It was an accidental tackle that the referee overreacted to by sending Shawcross off, the reactions of certain Arsenal players perhaps guiding the referee's decision.
With the game at 1-1 and with one of their star kids having gone off injured, Arsenal had every excuse to retract back into their shell and see the game out.
But not this one. Arsenal, quite rightly, have been criticized for a lack of character in tough situations. All too often over the last five years have the Gunners capitulated when excuses have presented themselves.
Having learned a valuable lesson from Eduardo da Silva's horrific leg break almost exactly two years ago, the Gunners rolled up their sleeves and battled to a much deserved win.
Led by the phenomenal Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal sprayed the ball around Stoke's 10 men with ease and stretched Tony Pulis' well-drilled side to such an extent that the scoreline could have been far greater.
It is most noteworthy that this was the first time Arsenal have won at Stoke since 1982. An impressive win that will go a long way in determining the title race.
Only three points separates Chelsea on top, with Manchester United and Arsenal at 60 and 58 points, respectively, to the Blues' 61. And with the Gunners having the easiest run in by far, they are very much potential Champions.
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