ARSENAL have put themselves in a position to claim a European spot come the end of the season, says Martin Keown.
Keown also praises young star Emile Smith Rowe, 21, saying that he ‘completes’ the Arsenal team and notices similarities to the Gunners legend Ray Parlour.
Talking to the Evening Standard, Keown reckons that Arsenal have given themselves a chance to strike for Europe but it will all come down to their consistency.
It has been a rollercoaster season so far for the Gunners, who found themselves bottom of the Premier League in August, starting with three consecutive defeats.
They have since hit form and now sit in sixth position. Keown asks fans to respect the job of Mikel Arteta and his players.
He said: “Arsenal fans need to be able to see a team that is competitive, that can play winning football and strikes the balance as a team that is developing.
“They are just three points off Man City, who thumped them 5-0, and we have to respect the turnaround.
“They’ve put themselves in a position to strike for Europe, but where they end up will be down to their consistency.
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“Arsenal are very much rebuilding a reputation – this is a new group, a new beginning.”
A large part of the turn in success is down to the form of youngster Emile Smith Rowe.
His recent hot streak has seen talk about a place in Gareth Southgate’s next England squad, announced at 2o’clock this afternoon.
Smith Rowe scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Leicester last weekend and has claimed the plaudits of many.
Martin Keown has compared the Croydon youngster to Ray Parlour, who won the Premier League three times with Arsenal over a 13-year career with the club.
Keown said: “Ray was a player that probably never got the credit he deserved.
“Ray didn’t stay out wide out all the time, he would tuck in, deep into midfield. I’ve seen Smith Rowe do that quite a few times.
“It makes the team more complete, when you have the players that are looking to play with the ball and without.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
