‘Exposed’: Keown says literally ‘nobody’ supported 23-year-old Arsenal player against Newcastle

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Martin Keown has claimed that Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was exposed against Newcastle United in the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat last Monday.

Mikel Arteta’s side slipped up against Tottenham Hotspur last week in what was a big blow to their Champions League hopes, but qualification was still completely in their hands. However, the Gunners lost again at St James’ Park, and that has all but pushed them out of the race.

No Arsenal player turned up against Newcastle on Monday, but Keown believes Tomiyasu, who has been brilliant for Arsenal this season, just didn’t receive any support from his teammates.

• Report: What journalist noticed about Tomiyasu as he walked through the mixed zone after West Ham this weekend

Martin Keown: Takehiro Tomiyasu was exposed, nobody supported him

Speaking about Arsenal’s issues against the Magpies, Keown said on talkSPORT: “Arsenal have had the youngster team in the Premier League this season, I admire where they are going, but they need to fill it with experience. I can see problems when I look at the team.

“People will say you have never managed, but I have been in successful teams. Tactically, I saw issues against Newcastle about being too deep, and players acting as individuals.

“[Takehiro] Tomiyasu was exposed, with nobody supporting him in front.

“It always seems to be the youngsters that are carrying the club, it is a very young group, and the obvious thing is to pack the team with some experience.”

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Arsenal just weren’t up to speed against Newcastle on Monday. Usually, there are one or two players who play well, but at St James’ Park, not one of Arteta’s men turned up.

That really is shocking as it was clearly their biggest game of the season. They simply had to win, but because of what happened, Arsenal have to rely on already-relegated Norwich City to beat Tottenham.

That is extremely unlikely, which means Arsenal will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League next season.

That really is a shame as it was all in their hands just 10 days ago.

• Mikel Arteta’s comments suggest Arsenal star Tomiyasu and Santi Cazorla share one very similar trait