Martin Keown believes Gabriel Martinelli’s inexperience in the crucial stage of the game led to Arsenal’s loss
Martin Keown suggests that if Galeno had not delivered a sublime finish in the dying seconds, the perception of Arsenal’s performance could have been significantly different.
The late goal appears to have had a decisive impact on the overall assessment of Arsenal’s display.
Martin Keown’s reaction
According to TNT Sports pundit Martin Keown, Arsenal’s defeat is attributed to a deficiency in experience, with the former player expressing concern over the impact of the team’s youth in European competitions.
Keown noted a professional defensive performance but emphasized a crucial moment where the team conceded due to a costly mistake, specifically pointing out a late goal by Galeno as a turning point.
The pundit believes that the lack of seasoned players might have influenced the outcome, characterizing it as a learning experience for Arsenal’s young team in European competitions.
Keown hopes that the setback won’t have long-term consequences for the club, cautioning against the potential haunting effect of inexperience in a tournament known for late goals.
Martin Keown highlights the potential impact of Arsenal’s lack of experience, particularly in a competition known for late goals. Despite dominating possession with 65%, the team struggled to create significant opportunities.
Gabriel Martinelli’s inexperience effect
Keown points out a crucial moment involving Martinelli’s inexperience, suggesting that maintaining possession at the end could have helped secure the victory.
He contrasts this with Porto’s disciplined adherence to their gameplan, noting the introduction of Jorginho for a similar purpose and expressing his concern over the psychological effect on the young Arsenal team following the late concession.