Arsenal allowed Erling Haaland to “strut around” the pitch in their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City after failing to land a blow on the striker, according to Martin Keown.
The former Gunners defender was unhappy with how Rob Holding and the rest of the Gunners backline attempted to get to grips with Haaland, starting with his assist for Kevin De Bruyne’s early opener on Wednesday night.
“If I was playing, Haaland would be all I was thinking about,” he described to BT Sport.
“Holding lost that battle. The very first challenge, that’s where they concede the first goal.
“You’ve got to put your marker down, you’ve got to be physical, maybe take a booking. But Haaland is just strutting around that pitch and it looked really easy at times.
“That’s something these young Arsenal defenders are going to have to learn, and learn quickly.”
Rio Ferdinand, likewise, was unhappy with how timid Arsenal were in defending in their title-race showdown.
“That aggressive nature is the catalyst and foundation of this performance,” he said.
OH Kevin De Bruyne! 🎯
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 26, 2023
A great takedown from Erling Haaland who passes to De Bruyne for a stunning run and finish! 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/Ex4pyouHVJ
“That’s where Arsenal were lacking today. They didn’t have that aggressive nature, they didn’t win their first balls. You get punished.
“It doesn’t matter what league or wherever you’re playing, if you haven’t got that aggressive first contact or intensity in your game - I don’t care how good you are talent-wise, you will not get over the line and get the three points.”
