Martin Keown names worrying issue for Arsenal ahead of PSG showdown

3 hours ago 1

Arsenal are aiming to keep their UEFA Champions League journey going after ruthlessly knocking out defending champions Real Madrid with a comprehensive 5-1 quarterfinal aggregate win.

The Gunners are aiming for a first UCL final appearance since 2006 - but first up they face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals. 

While Mikel Arteta's men have been flying in Europe this season, they have dipped in the Premier Leagueas Liverpool close in on the EPL title.

The North London giants have registered three draws in the last four EPL matches with goals conceded by sloppy individual defensive mistakes.

That has caused concerns for Gunners fans, ahead of the all-important double-header against PSG, and former Arsenal defender Martin Keown also raised has voiced his concern.

Errors are something Arteta simply cannot afford against Luis Enrique's potent Parisians, who boast an all-star attack of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. 

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

What did Martin Keown say about Arsenal's defending?

Arsenal could only manage a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in their latest league outing, as despite leading the game twice, the Gunners conceded a late equaliser from Jean-Philippe Mateta. 

It was another unforced error in the Arsenal defence, as William Saliba attempted a cute pass under pressure and lost possession, before Mateta did the rest. 

William Saliba of Arsenal after his red card vs. Bournemouth

This comes after his error in the second leg in Madrid allowed Vinicius Jr. to score the only goal for Los Blancos across the two games. 

Keown is concerned the Frenchman is getting complacent and making errors at a crunch point in the season.

"I think on Saliba, if I’m working with him [I'm saying], 'don’t switch off,” Keown said, as quoted by The Metro

"The game at Real Madrid, the goalkeeper rolled it out to him and just after they scored. It’s as if he hadn’t got a picture, he wasn’t alert.

"It’s twice now that’s happened in successive games – he needs to sharpen up."

The 58-year-old pundit believes Arsenal's sloppiness comes from not being able to see out games, which has proved costly in league action, but he is sole prioritising PSG.

"I think it’s crept in because of the sloppiness with Arsenal trying to see out games, a draw with Palace is a 'victory' because of no injuries. There’s a huge game coming up, and I think when you’re just down from 100%, you make mistakes."

Saliba's spot in Arteta's backline is unquestioned, particularly with center back partner Gabriel sidelined for the remainder of the season, with Jakub Kiwior stepping in as cover.

The pair have started Arsenal's last six games together - including the double against Real Madrid - and Arteta will place his faith in them once more against PSG - with the first leg on April 29.

Arsenal news and related news

Read Entire Article