Arsenal have to play with more arrogance: Martin Keown

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that his former club need to up their game in the big matches if they are to win the Premier League. The Gunners drew 0-0 with Chelsea on Monday, meaning that they have now failed to win in games against Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, although they have defeated both Liverpool and Tottenham.

Keown used his Daily Mail column to suggest that the team need more “arrogance,” whilst admitting his surprise at the midfield set up of the Gunners against Chelsea.

“To be champions, you have to play like champions and Arsenal need to start offering more in the big games with regards to their performance”, he opened.

“They have to play with more arrogance because a really convincing win over your rivals fills you with confidence and tells the group they can achieve something during the season.”

He continued by talking about the tactical elements of the fixture, suggesting that Mathieu Flamini should have been selected.

“Arsene Wenger does not often like playing two holding midfielders — he prefers allaction, multi-purpose men in the middle of the park. Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini both like to sit — and they did to great effect at home to Napoli earlier in the season — but he clearly wanted more dynamism last night so left out the Frenchman.”

“That surprised me, especially as conditions were difficult and controlling the ball was tough. Arsenal looked too open at times.”

“Mesut Ozil played in a different role last night, sitting deeper than he has been.”

“Theo Walcott played where Ozil normally does, close to front man Olivier Giroud, meaning the German was free to come deep for the ball and try to affect the game in the middle of the park. It meant Arsenal had more quality in a key area but the down side was that Arsene Wenger’s side missed their playmaker high up the pitch”