Martin Keown calls on Arsenal bosses to ‘come forward’ after ‘huge disappointment’ in losing Premier League title to Bournemouth

Mikel Arteta’s men held their breath but failed to level out for a second time on a frustrating Saturday afternoon in north London.

TNT sports pundit Keown called the setback a “huge disappointment” and believes the pressure of being Premier League leader has gotten to the players.

‘Potential heartbreak for Arsenal’ – Scott performs ‘waltz’ to restore Bournemouth lead

Video credit: TNT Sports

“I’m very disappointed,” Keown began. “How many times do I say now that Bournemouth were great, but last week it was Southampton?

“We have to be better than we were today. Bournemouth, who were unable to develop their play in midfield, once again pressed very well.

“I wrote here, ‘Unite.’ You have to do that. You have a big game in the middle of the week and everyone is going to be criticizing you by now.”

“Will it bring about a change in psychology, will it help the players? The pressure today seemed to be too much at times.

“And the energy, they lacked the energy. Bournemouth were great in the duel and looked really fired up.”

“I know they’ve had 22 days of rest and Arsenal have played a lot of football, but it’s still just around the corner so we have to find the energy from somewhere.

“Bournemouth were too strong for Arsenal today. I’m not a nervous person and they look that way.

“When you’re competing, it’s easy because you can put in all your effort. And you could see little things happening all over the pitch.”

“Be careful not to let the wheels fall off.”

Keown added that the team’s “leaders” needed to come forward as Arsenal look to avoid a late-season collapse as they aim to win their first Premier League title since 2003-04.

“Now people have to stand up, characters have to come forward and leaders have to come forward,” continued former Arsenal defender Keown.

“Because the pressure will be on. Manchester City is the next Premier League so it’s still in your hands.

“Then we have to play the Champions League in midweek and make sure the wheels don’t fall off this season.”

‘Beautiful place’ Iraola praises Scott after Arsenal’s winning goal

Video credit: TNT Sports

They then play in Europe followed by a potentially season-defining visit to Manchester City.

City could well close the gap to six points by the time Josep Guardiola’s side face Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

“Not much of a fan.”

Arsenal need to move on quickly from Saturday’s defeat as they look to salvage their season with a double bid.

To do so, we need a stable foundation. And TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves felt that was missing in the defeat against Bournemouth.

“It’s a current trend, it’s a modern trend, but I don’t really like it,” Hargreaves said.

“The ball always comes back to Raya and for a team that presses like Bournemouth, all they are doing is inviting pressure.

“Raya received 38 back passes today. This was against one of the best pressing teams in the country, and that allowed them to press.”

“A twist in the title race!” – Crupi’s goal surprises the Emirates and gives Bournemouth an early lead

Video credit: TNT Sports

“This is a remarkable statistic. David Raya played the second most passes in this Arsenal team today, only Declan Rice played more passes. He’s great with his feet, but why encourage that?”

“The crowd gets a little nervous after that. There were some high-risk passes in the second half, even though he used his feet very well, and Iraola knew that.”

“I’m just thinking about getting the ball forward faster, getting it into the channels, winning duels and second balls, and getting on the pitch.”