Martin Keown says Dani Ceballos and Emiliano Martinez were the bright lights of Arsenal’s otherwise dismal performance in their 2-1 defeat against Spurs on Sunday.
After scoring a goal through Alexandre Lacazette in the first half, a stray pass from Sead Kolasinac allowed Heung-Min Son to equalize a few minutes later, before Toby Alderweireld had launched into a late winner to seal all three points for Spurs.
Martinez was in good shape again for the Gunners, making seven saves to keep the score low, and Ceballos, who has also been in a rich streak since restarting, scored Mikel Arteta’s team in midfield.
And while Arsenal Keown legend believes there were some encouraging performances to be drawn from the loss, he insists that both targets could have been easily avoided.
‘There were positives for Arsenal, Keown said at Daily mail. Dani Ceballos was promising in midfield, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was probably their best player.
‘But Arteta has to decide how she wants her team to play – three or four on the back – and buy players that fit her favorite system.
Harry Kane and Son created problems. We have seen Shkodran Mustafi dive – maybe it’s because he doesn’t feel he has coverage from Luiz behind him.
‘Choose your system, Arteta, and buy accordingly.
‘Both goals granted by Arsenal could have been avoided. This is the bottom line. Not for the first time, sloppiness was their undoing.
Progress seemed to have been made recently, with Mikel Arteta’s men holding three consecutive premieres Clean alloy sheets. If it weren’t for sending Eddie Nketiah – and then suffering a late draw against Leicester – it could have been four.
‘But then they go and do it.
‘Let’s start with the first goal: the draw that came three minutes after Alexandre Lacazette’s excellent opening. Sead Kolasinac had the ball and Kieran Tierney was open on the wing. But it hasn’t passed him.
Instead, he looked back and opted for David Luiz. Still, rather than playing him on Luiz’s left foot as he should have done, he sought his right. He gave Son Heung-min a run on goal and Spurs returned.
‘Arsenal had 76% ownership in the second half. They looked in control. But they have been canceled by a fixed piece.
‘Tierney, 5ft 10in, marked 6ft 2in Toby Alderweireld. The Tottenham defender just won.
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