Arsenal legend Martin Keown has said that there were some positives for the Gunners during their recent derby defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners went into the game in good form with 10 points accumulated from the previous four games but they failed to continue the momentum with a victory.
They managed to find the opening goal in the 16th minute after a wonderful long-range strike from Alexandre Lacazette but just moments later, Heung-min Son was gifted the equaliser through a defensive error. In the second half, the Gunners dominated the proceedings for more than 30 minutes but they could not take the lead with the chances at hand.
Ultimately, Spurs piled the pressure in the final 15 minutes and grabbed the winner from a corner through Toby Alderweireld. Despite the impressive display, the Gunners went out of the game without a point, but Keown highlighted that there were positives from the fact that Dani Ceballos and Emiliano Martinez shined on the day.
Ceballos produced a commanding performance in the centre of the park and he was able to complete two successful dribbles and four tackles in the derby. On the other hand, Martinez was called into action at different stages of the encounter and he ended the game with seven saves. Speaking after the game, Keown said:
“There were positives for Arsenal. Dani Ceballos was promising in midfield, while keeper Emiliano Martinez was probably their best player. But Arteta needs to decide which way he wants his team to play — three or four at the back — and buy players who suit his preferred system. Harry Kane and Son posed problems. We saw Shkodran Mustafi diving in — maybe that’s because he doesn’t feel he’s going to get cover from Luiz behind him. Choose your system, Arteta, and buy accordingly.”