MARTIN KEOWN left his TNT Sports studio colleagues grinning from ear-to-ear after hitting them with a cheesy joke.
Arsenal legend Keown was appearing on the broadcaster’s Goals Show Extra for the Champions League.
Keown’s former side were in action against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates.
First half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave way to a stalwart defensive showing in the second half.
The shutout was their fifth clean sheet of the season, and it seems Keown himself had been waiting for the chance to lavish some praise on Mikel Arteta’s side.
To do so the former defender cracked a pun to leave his colleagues grinning.
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While speaking about the Gunners defensive efforts during the game, the 58-year-old said: “When you look at that Arsenal defence [and] the players in there, they’ve been magnifient.
“That rearguard, the Thames Barrier has been shut down there tonight.”
The joke left former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves with a wide grin, before presenter Matt Smith asked: “When did you have that [thought]. Did you have that on the way in today?”
Keown quipped back: “It’s just to keep James [Horncastle] awake.”
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Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armour
KAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.
Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.
But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.
DAVID RAYA – 7
Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.
Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.
A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.
However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.
GABRIEL – 7
Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.
Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.
THOMAS PARTEY – 8
So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.
Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8
One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.
Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.
Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
KAI HAVERTZ – 9
Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.
Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.
SUBS:
JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7
Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.
MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7
Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.
GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6
Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A
Keown made 442 appearances for Arsenal after coming through the club’s academy in 1985.
He originally left the Gunners in 1986 to join Aston Villa, spending three years there before signing for Everton in 1989.
After four years he then rejoined Arsenal and remained there until 2004, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and three Community Shields.
Last night’s win over PSG leaves Arsenal eighth in the table, having drawn their opening game against Atalanta.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
