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Martin Keown compares Arsenal and Tottenham’s midfields

Tom Procter

Tue 15 December 2020 9:15, UK

Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes the Gunners need to improve their midfield if they are to turn things around.

Mikel Arteta’s side are seriously struggling on all fronts at the moment, and sit 15th in the Premier League table.

The north Londoners have taken 14 points from 12 games, and have already lost six matches, and the pressure is cranking up on the manager.

It seems he has the backing of the board for now, but the club’s ex-captain needs to instigate a turnaround and fast.

In the eyes of Keown, one way he can do that is to revamp his midfield, and the former central defender reckons a new pairing is needed.

: “Arsenal are still searching for the right balance in centre midfield, unlike Spurs, who have the perfect duo in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Moussa Sissoko, prepared to go to war for their manager.

“Which brings me to Granit Xhaka. Of course, he will be under fire after Sunday’s sending-off against Burnley, and rightly so. He just does not get around the pitch quickly enough. He has made some huge mistakes — so many in fact you would be surprised if there is a way back under Arteta.

“If the experienced players cannot do it, it is time to trust a youngster in the heart of midfield. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is an England player and he was superb in that position against Rapid Vienna. He has great pace, is good in possession and can defend.”

TBR’s View – The ideal chance for AMN

With Xhaka now serving his suspension, there is a potentially a golden chance for Maitland-Niles to stake his claim.

He is a great player, but Arteta has been reluctant to start him in recent times.

Given the dismal run of results, something has got to give and £25 million-rated Maitland-Niles’ () energy might be just the ticket to bring a better balance.

It’s potentially his opportunity to prove he’s the person who should be Partey’s partner.