MARTIN KEOWN has backed Arsenal to do a Manchester United and grab
the Premiership title next season.
The Gunners legend saw United end their three-season barren spell
by snatching the crown off Chelsea.
Former centre-half Keown insists Arsenal who have now gone three
years without winning the Prem themselves can turn it
around.
He said: Manager Arsene Wenger is starting to come under pressure
because hes gone three years without lifting the title.
But United were in that position coming into last season and
look what happened.
United were focused at the start of the season and knew they had
to come quick out of the blocks.
When youve not won the league for three years, everyone has to
buy into the belief you can change it.
The dominance Chelsea had has been turned around by Man U. It will
have to happen to Arsenal.
Its not about buying into a dream, its about believing the
opposition will crack. Its about mental toughness.
You dont play your main rivals every game but, in a way, you do
as you have to beat the immediate opposition to stay in the
race.
The Gunners rubber-stamped another season in the Champions League
by finishing fourth even though key players such as Thierry
Henry, William Gallas and Robin van Persie missed a large chunk of
the season through injury.
Any dip into the transfer market by Arsenal will prove crucial as
they continue to juggle the move to the Emirates Stadium with
success on the field. Wenger needs to strengthen his squad,
something United have already done.
Keown added: Manchester United have addressed their own problems
defensively, they didnt have a dominant header of the ball at the
back but they now have Nemanja Vidic.
He has come in, a no-nonsense defender heading for fun. With Rio
Ferdinand, they have been the dominant pair in tough away games
such as Bolton and Manchester City.
United also have that blend and movement from Ryan Giggs, Wayne
Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo with Paul Scholes joining the
pack.
Michael Carrick makes raking passes. They have a good balance
attacking and defending.
Keown was talking as he helped launch a £600,000 spending programme
funded by Barclays Bank to regenerate sports facilities at Rosemary
Gardens, north London. He said: Last season was difficult for
Arsenal but I hope they can do a Man U next season.
The nucleus is there and I hope Wenger signs a long-term
deal.
But you do need key people to play a bigger part. With so many
youngsters in the Arsenal squad, you need key men such as
Henry.
Cesc Fabregas must come to the fore next season he has
experience under his belt now.
You have to keep improving to stay ahead of the pack. Youre up
against Chelsea and Manchester United, who are wealthy clubs.
Liverpool are the same now while Tottenham are re-emerging and
what a great opportunity there is at Newcastle now to shake that
up.
What he says here is absolutely agreeable. We can and will
do better nxt season. I think keown is also hinting AW to bring in
some quality players.
