It seems almost unthinkable now, so rich is the vein of form that has made him a cornerstone of Arsenal’s challenge for the Barclays Premier League title, but Arsène Wenger has admitted that he was advised last season not to play Aaron Ramsey in home games because of the virulent criticism —heaped upon him by a section of the Emirates Stadium crowd.

The Wales midfield player’s performances over the course of this calendar year have attracted lavish praise from sources as diverse as Gary Neville, Mark Hughes and Cesc Fàbregas and helped transform him from squad player into one of Wenger’s most effective, most admired performers.

There will certainly be no grumbling or groaning at the Emirates tonight when his name is read out on