Martin Keown makes Manchester United jibe as he issues verdict on Arsenal’s Europa League hopes


Martin Keown says Arsenal will be dreaming of Europa League success after their 4-0 win at Slavia Prague last night.

But he says that “little” Manchester United could stand in their way in the final, as he had his say on the prospect of an all-English final in the competition.

Arsenal made it through to the semi-finals of the competition with a stunning performance in Prague, with goals from Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette (2) and Bukayo Saka helping Mikel Arteta’s side to a 5-1 victory on aggregate against their opponents from the Czech Republic.

As such, the Gunners can now look forward to a reunion with former boss Unai Emery and his Villarreal side in the Europa League semi-finals, with the first leg in Spain later this month.


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And with Manchester United and Roma meeting in the other semi-final, former Gunners defender Martin Keown is hoping that Arsenal can go all the way in the competition.

“We are dreaming of [Unai] Emery in the next round with that match up and then a little team called Manchester United in the distance, perhaps, in the final,” he said, speaking to BT Sport.

“Let’s see, we have both got difficult semi-finals to get through.

“[Villarreal are] Dangerous opponents and the history with Emery, we know he has been successful in this competition. He has won it three times and this is his fifth semi-final, so he goes in with a lot of experience, but I am backing Arsenal, of course, to win this one.”

Indeed, he said he was feeling confident after seeing the performance of his old side against Slavia Prague, who were unbeaten at home in all competitions this season prior to Arsenal’s stunning win.

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And the former Gunners defender said he hoped Arsenal would be inspired by the return of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed the win in Prague having been in hospital with malaria.

“I would like to think it will end on a high, I think it could do,” he said, as he assessed Arsenal’s disappointing season so far domestically.

“And I would like to see Aubameyang, who scored in the FA Cup final last year, get back and score two goals in the final this year to win it.”





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