Europa League

Arsenal legend Martin Keown slams Unai Emery tactics

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 06 November 2019

Arsenal legend Martin Keown criticises the tactics of manager Unai Emery after the Gunners draw 1-1 with Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Europa League.

Club legend Martin Keown has suggested that Arsenal are 'losing some of their identity' under Unai Emery.

The Gunners boss opted to switch to a back three for Wednesday's Europa League fixture with Vitoria de Guimaraes, with the Premier League outfit having to make do with a 1-1 draw.

After Shkodran Mustafi suggested that the squad had struggled to adapt to a change in strategy, Keown feels that Arsenal did not perform in several areas.

The former centre-back told BT Sport: "There are problems all over the pitch. It can quickly be turned around. If I was involved in the weekend I'd go on the attack because we can't defend.

"We are in danger of losing some of the identity of the team built under Arsene Wenger. We cannot defend and have lost that attacking flavour.

"I think it's a personal thing of how you mark up in set pieces. There are huge gaps. All they did was put a ball in and run through the hole. they could put a double decker bus through that. It's too simple. It's basic decision-making and they need to change."

Arsenal have let slip leads in each of their last four matches in all competitions.