Martin Keown explains why is concerned for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Add as preferred source on Google

Martin Keown has told Stadium Astro that he is concerned for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur – claiming Arteta still does not know how he wants Arsenal to play.

Spurs cruised to a 2-0 win as Harry Kane scored his 14th goal of the season in just his 17th appearance – while Son Heung-min also netted. Spurs remain top of the Premier League table while Arsenal are only seven points above the drop in 15th.

Mourinho’s defensively solid, yet counter-attacking style proved too much for Arsenal – who fashioned plenty of half chances but never the glorious moment they required to hit the back of the net. Spurs took advantage.

Asked after the game about Arsenal’s current manager Arteta, Gunners legend Keown stated that the Spaniard needed to take a long, hard look at himself and his way of playing – comparing him to Arsene Wenger and his first year in charge.

“Of course,” Keown said, when asked if Arteta needs to take a loot at himself. “He’s only had 46 games as manager. He is at a huge football club, if it was myself I would be analysing what I was doing. But you have a core belief of how football is played.

“I am now concerned. By this time Arsene Wenger had a clear view. Arteta has a back four with two in front, or he might go to a back five – they are uncertainties. They need to know their roles, but the full-backs don’t know their roles.”

TBR’s view – Is Arteta’s job at Arsenal really in jeopardy?

The Gunners board are clearly looking at Arteta as a long-term project. Still early in his own management career, Arsenal would have been naive to think that Arteta would have immediately taken his side back to the big time.

It is also crucial to remember that not only have Arsenal been impressing in the Europa League – winning all five of their group games – but they are also only 11 games into a campaign. He also has an FA Cup and Community Shield to his name.

Arteta’s job is not in jeopardy, but he needs to improve, and improve fast.