Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s Legacy: Martin Keown’s Insights
The Daily Express has recently reported on comments made by Martin Keown, a former Arsenal defender, who has shared his thoughts on the managerial style of Arsene Wenger during his time at the club. According to Keown, Wenger’s obsession with the FA Cup may have cost Arsenal dearly in their pursuit of European success.
The former defender, who played over 260 times for Arsenal under Wenger, believes that the team’s focus on the FA Cup may have hindered their progress in the Champions League. "We got that honour of going unbeaten for the whole season, but that wasn’t the target," Keown said on the Ainslie + Ainslie Performance People Podcast, as reported by the Daily Express. "The target was the Treble. That team was more than capable enough of doing it. Wenger’s obsession with the FA Cup I think got in the way. In the latter stages of the Champions League, you’re playing the FA Cup in the middle of the quarter-final. Looking back, that stopped us from doing more in the Champions League."
Keown’s comments provide a fascinating insight into the inner workings of Arsenal during Wenger’s reign. The team’s success in the FA Cup was undeniable, with seven victories under Wenger’s management. However, Keown’s assertion that this focus came at the expense of their European ambitions raises interesting questions about the team’s priorities.
The Daily Express notes that Keown was part of the Arsenal side that went an entire season unbeaten, a testament to Wenger’s impact on the team. Keown praised Wenger’s influence, stating: "There’s a culture of behaviour, so Wenger wouldn’t ask us to do anything he didn’t want us to… the slogans went up on the board ‘chew to win’. He explained what it means, ‘if you’re chewing too fast you’re taking energy from your head’." This attention to detail and focus on physical preparation were key factors in Arsenal’s success during this period.
Keown also highlighted Wenger’s ability to empower his players, saying: "They told us we need a bottle of water everywhere we go and it has to be room temperature. Because if it isn’t, we’re peeing it straight out. We can’t be doing that, as it’s dehydrating… you felt like this incredible athlete, we’re thinking, ‘we are not giving up any of this because I feel like Superman’." This approach, according to Keown, allowed players to feel like they were performing at their best.
The Daily Express quotes Keown as saying: "When I finally get to Wenger, we cut through all of that red tape. We’ve got to go and win something. And I’m the single most important person in the team now, he’s convinced me of that. I think that’s what good management is. Empowering people to do the best they can." This endorsement of Wenger’s managerial style underscores the Frenchman’s influence on the team and his ability to inspire his players.
As reported by the Daily Express, Keown’s comments offer a unique perspective on Arsenal’s history under Wenger. While the team enjoyed significant success domestically, Keown’s assertion that their focus on the FA Cup hindered their European progress provides a thought-provoking insight into the team’s priorities during this period. As the current Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, continues to shape the team’s future, Keown’s comments serve as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the north London outfit.
