Martin Keown has praised Arsenal duo Gabriel and Aaron Ramsdale who ‘really stood tall’ during their side’s 1-0 win at Burnley on Saturday, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
For the second game running, Mikel Arteta was able to select Gabriel at the back, alongside Ben White, with his new summer goalkeeper marshalling proceedings between the sticks.
Given Burnley’s no-nonsense and physical style, this game perhaps suited them to bring out those vulnerabilities in Arsenal’s team and pile more pressure on Arteta.
But his young guns, on the back of sitting bottom of the Premier League table, have picked themselves up and are climbing up the table again.
Highbury legend Keown was impressed by what he saw at the weekend and thinks it ‘takes the heat away’ from the man in the dugout.
“They had to be resilient,” said Keown. “It’s about dealing with balls coming into the box. I thought Gabriel and Ramsdale really stood tall and stood firm. Partey as well, with that. Sitting closely in front.
“That was a good professional performance. It puts Arsenal in 12th position and it keeps the heat away from the manager.”
On one hand, Arsenal are showing fight and signs that there is hope in this team.
But, on the other, the critics will look towards the opposition they have played and how it’s probably not a real indicator that things are looking on the up.
Regardless of what supporters are feeling towards the team, one thing is for sure, they head into the North London derby this Sunday with real confidence in their boots.
The same can’t be said for Tottenham, who have suffered back-to-back 3-0 defeats – both to London clubs – and their star man, Harry Kane, is yet to score in the league this season.
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