Arsenal legend Martin Keown has faced flak from the Gunners fans with his comments on Granit Xhaka after the North London club ended their run of three straight draws with their 3-1 win against Bornemouth.
The Gunners are still unbeaten in all competitions since the opening day of the season, but were still 6 points behind leaders Chelsea before the Cherries came calling on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal managed to close that gap to just 3 points following a 3-1 win. Arsene Wenger opted for some tactical changes after poor midfield performances in recent weeks with Granit Xhaka and Mohammed Elneny at the base of the midfield.
The Gunners fans had been calling for new summer signing Granit Xhaka to play more regularly following his summer switch from Borussia Monchengladbach and yesterday’s performance shows why they are so keen to see more of their new central midfielder.
It seems pretty clear that for Xhaka to fully thrive in his role, he needs to be partnered by a bonafide defensive midfielder, such as Mohamed Elneny, who played alongside him today. With Cazorla out for few more weeks, Xhaka will hope that he will now be able to hold down a regular place in the Arsenal side.
However, his performances failed to impress Arsenal legend and current BBC pundit Martin Keown, who in the post match show claimed that the midfielder had a poor game which has irked many Gunners fans.
Here are some of the reactions from Twitter:
Starting with clueless
Martin Keown saying Xhaka had a poor game. Pundits are clueless https://t.co/2jkLfrCy8c
— Bobby White (@bobby_white_12) November 27, 2016
Used to like Keown as a pundit but he's been trash on MOTD. Said Xhaka played bad, Theo is an "out and out winger" and Gerrard could play CB
— 🍉 (@Flaminiesta) November 28, 2016
Nice way to describe!
https://twitter.com/ArsenalSanchez/status/803018060995198977
https://twitter.com/Gchristou91/status/803012528418734080
Interested that Keown was critical of Xhaka. I thought he was really good.
— Cartoon Steve Bould 🇺🇦 (@CartoonBouldy) November 27, 2016
May be he was busy in preparing his speech for the post-match show
https://twitter.com/LordOAJr/status/803011792989458432
Indeed he was!
Keown did not watch arsenals game today! Xhaka was the 2nd best player on the pitch after alexis! #MOTD
— Steffen Kolbjørnsen (@AFCNORWAY) November 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/Stefan_AFC/status/803008578357526528
He definitely would have
Did Keown even watch the game today RE Xhaka comments? #MOTD2
— A (@AWBurns91) November 27, 2016
Well done
https://twitter.com/BulletGiroud/status/803008507129843712
Keown clearly didn't watch the arsenal game today. Xhaka was class!
— Uzoma Nnajiuba (@NnajiubaUzoma) November 27, 2016
I have to disagree with Martin Keown. Thought Xhaka and Elneny did a solid job today. #AFC #AFCB #MOTD2
— Alex Batt (@AlexBatt) November 27, 2016
May be United’s game?
What is Keown on about? Xhaka was very good today. What game was he watching?!?
— Dan (@DanR_84) November 27, 2016
Felt the same
Xhaka is plays it too safe according to Keown and Sinclair. Hilarious.
— Ben (@BenAFC) November 27, 2016
Keown said Xhaka and Elneny didn't play well hahahahaha
— Alex (@AIexBarbaro) November 27, 2016
