The former Arsenal defender was very critical of his former club last night as they lost to former boss Unai Emery’s side Villarreal in a two goals to one game in Spain. Keown does question why the Arsenal boss Arteta won’t player Martinelli in the team though.
“I’ve been concerned as to why that player (Martinelli) is not playing,” he said on BT Sport after the game on Thursday night, cited by the Daily Star.
Asked why he though that was, Keown said; “Because the manager doesn’t like him. It’s as simple as that.
“I’m not there everyday, I’m not on the training ground. I thought it was very interesting Odegaard had gone internationally and said ‘this is the best young player I’ve ever seen’. And he’s from Real Madrid!
“So now it’s time to let him fly. Let’s look at the positives. Let’s support him.
“When he came into the team I thought he did a great job. Not only was he making runs down the middle but he was coming back. He was like a Duracell battery.
“Keep him in the team. Play him. You’ve seen what you’ve done with Smith Rowe and Saka. Support him.”