Former Arsenal player Martin Keown believes that the Gunners need to improve in attack and midfield next season. The pundit claimed the Gunners need to use the summer transfer window to replace the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Granit Xhaka.
Arsenal have had an up-and-down campaign, which could see them finish fifth in the Premier League table. They are two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with just one game to go.
One of the major areas of concern for Mikel Arteta has been their lack of striking options. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have contributed just 15 goals between them in all competitions this season. Both strikers' contracts with the club also expire in the summer. Hence, the Gunners will certainly be in the market for a new forward.
Keown identified the strikers as a problem for Arsenal this season and said on talkSPORT:
“As a defender, I was talking about Ian Wright, Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka the other day, these guys give you belief that you can win games. We [defenders] throw ourselves in front of balls to black things, because eventually, they [strikers] are going to get the chance to win us the game. [Eddie] Nketiah has done an amazing job, but we know he is a second-string striker, not an A-liner.”
He added:
“If we go back to Arsene Wenger when he sat down when leaving, he said he wanted mature players, 28 to 29-year-old’s. 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."
Keown revealed that he saw a few problems in the current Arsenal team, especially in their match against Newcastle United. The Gunners lost 2-0 at St. James' Park in the Premier League on May 16 and were completely outplayed by the Magpies.
Speaking about his former side's weaknesses in the game, Keown said:
"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."
He added:
“[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. I presume that is what will happen this summer, but fifth place us a huge disappointment for me as an Arsenal fan."
Martin Keown believes Arsenal need to strengthen their midfield
Keown also pointed out that the Gunners need an upgrade on the likes of Granit Xhaka in midfield. He said:
“The middle is where the club needs to strengthen, I think with [Granit] Xhaka, it is time for change, I am not saying get rid of him completely. I just feel if he is coming on and making a contribution in midfield, then he needs to get better and develop."
He added:
“[Thomas] Partey has been injured for long periods of the season, and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga has been deemed to be not quite good enough. Mohamed Elneny, is he the answer? So the midfield, that engine room is a key area which needs to be better.”
Arsenal will take on Everton on May 22 on the final matchday of the Premier League 2021-22 season. If they win against the Toffees and Norwich City beat Spurs, Arteta's side may yet snatch fourth place and qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.
Sumbckntuz
0
Xhack is the heart of Arsenal want or not. Je is very strong on ground and he doesn't get injuries regularly. He is always available every game. if he was not good enough to play for arsenal then he will start from the bench. pepe also a good player to keep at Arsenal.
Vabamnprs
0
Incomings!!! and we have some silverware next season. Europa, FA and challenge for the league.
pamdeimnu
0
personally I don't trust the process because I haven't seen any positives arteta talks a lot than he delivers this time around buy first class players our team needs tielemans and nkunku
kelvinima
0
Xhaka is the problem cause Arteta can't play only Xhaka in defensive midfield or in attacking midfield cause those to areas is not his natural position. Arteta should train Partey on defensive midfield then buy natural no.10, natural no.8 and natural two no.9, two fullbacks for both side. Keep Leno, them we are good to go.
What is xhaka natural position
Drypenganmaster-237_
0
This summer window we've gotta focus on signing 3 aspects of thee game Experience Versatility Depth
Qasimarsenal
0
He is absolutely on point on experience thing, youngsters are not consistent and cannot take a club like arsenal forward solely
Notaeort
1
you don't know anything about football how can you say xhaka is the problem man this guy is are best midfielder stop talking nonsense
Xhaka is the problem cause Arteta can't play only Xhaka in defensive midfield or in attacking midfield cause those to areas is not his natural position. Arteta should train Partey on defensive midfield then buy natural no.10, natural no.8 and natural two no.9, two fullbacks for both side. Keep Leno, them we are good to go.
Notaeort
1
Xhaka position in Arsenal midfield is the major problem. That is the hidden truth. There is no way you can play Xhaka as defensive or attacking midfielder only him without playing them two defensive midfielder and that is a very big shortage in Arsenal lineup in each game. in some matches, you need to play one engine room and one playmaker in midfield to balance the squad. Let's say Thomas Partey is playing defense midfield, Arsenal need natural no.10 to play in front of Partey. Odegaard Should be playing outside left with Saka and Pepe if we had men in our squad. Then buy no.8 to compete with Smith Rowe there. Buy two big no.9 to compete, play Martinelli and Pepe out side left then Saka and Odegaard outside right. buy one left and right fullback each. Bring Saliba and Guenduzi back. Let Holdings, Cedric,Xhaka,Lacazette,Nketiah,Mari,Torriera,Nelson go. then replace them all cause more will be playing more games. Don't make Arteta relax the way he is feeling much comfortable cause no reasonable truphy yet. Emery was the one who built the squad then while Arteta only too glory.
kuwabiopy
1
Xhaka is the best midfielder in the Arsenal team all he needs is a back up in case he gets injured.
Socadeikuz
0
Known is right but I'd go much further in the quest of putting Arsenal right.
hetyro
0
Believe it we need two serious attacks and two midfielders and one defender strikers like gakpo and nunez
fioaikmrz
3
you don't know anything about football how can you say xhaka is the problem man this guy is are best midfielder stop talking nonsense
Jitckmuyz
4
Everything is xhaka huh
Fuebcdlotz
1
every day Xhaka Xhaka others even if they make mistakes you protect them you are always against him even when he is doing good
Fuebcdlotz
2
you hate Xhaka so much,I remember when he was injured arsenal were busy losing but your lovely player were there
Nabcmnprt
3
you are totally right champ,they have stop the signing of average and rejected players and sign quality and experience players this time if they want average players they should promote the academy boys instead.