Keown: Arsenal ‘must wake up’ ahead of crucial City game
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“It’s up to Arsenal to wake up. They have to wake up before this game. But they have to start developing better in the final third.
“They rely too much on the goalkeeper (David Raya) and keep going back to him. If I was playing with him, I would keep going back to him because he is very skilled on the ball, but that triggers the opponent’s press. Arsenal don’t have that foundation. They need more from their front three.”
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Highlights: Arsenal set Atleti semi-final date with tense Sporting draw
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“Mikel Arteta can be a top manager but he has to cross a line,” Cole said. “This is where he will make his money in the coming weeks. When you watch Arsenal play, they look worried and scared, but when you look at Arteta, he looks a little worried.
“It’s important not to change manners within the group, but when the chips are down the players look at the manager. The manager needs to be full of energy and belief and find a way to get the players to release the handbrake, because no one is playing to their best ability and that’s what’s going on between their ears.”
Victory for City, who are aiming for their seventh Premier League title in 10 seasons, would increase their lead over Arsenal to three points as they play away to Burnley next Wednesday.
“Everything about Man City seems to be heightened by this opportunity for the Etihad to take the title away from Arsenal,” Keown added.
“But if they lose the game, I’m sure the players will be in an uproar in the dressing room because Pep doesn’t shy away from what I’ve seen and they’re following in the footsteps of a brilliant group.
“Will this crown fit in the heads of some players? I think they have the right mentality and there is also Pep.
“If Arsenal lose this game, I think it could be terminal for the rest of the season.
“When you’re winning games, you never know who’s sitting next to you. When you lose, you know who to rely on, whether we can achieve great wins with this group or not. That inner belief can be overcome and Pep is a master at that. So Arteta has to respond to that.”
“There will be unity over the weekend like we have never seen before.”
