Martin Keown was hard and honest on ESPN after Saturday\’s farce.
Keown was intelligent and forceful and told the truth.
He was disgusted by the pub defending that coughed up two goals after Arsenal led 2-0 against a piss-poor Boca Juniors side.
He said Arsenal need leadership, need shouting from the back four to make midfielders cover, and need players who demand more from each other.
You listened to Keown and thought : If he was managing Arsenal, every player would give 100%.
On Sunday he was different.
After Arsenal had conceded a ridiculous late equaliser to New York Red Bulls, and been booed off, big Martin had changed his tune.
He rightly praised Vermaelen, who should be Arsenal captain (although Keown didn\’t say that).
But in 24 hours Keown had become a Wenger apologist. He said, “The players that Arsenal have are more than capable of mounting a big challenge. I think with a sprinkling of better, more experienced players, they can definitely win something next season.”
He also said, “Bring in the players you need. Arsenal will be OK. They\’re still a decent outfit.”
It looked like Martin had been got at by Arsenal or ESPN or both.
They’d told him to tone it down because the truth does not sell subscriptions.
Robbie Savage said Liverpool would push Arsenal out of the top four.
Craig Burley said Arsenal would be fourth because Wenger will buy in August.
Keown said Arsenal would finish fourth.
I\’m now told that when Keown\’s defensive coaching took Arsenal to Paris in 2006, Wenger felt threatened. We already knew, from eyewitnesses, that he was been very touchy when that topic was mentioned.
At 9 a.m. I\’ll post exciting news about new signings this week.
Please check back in one hour.