Arsenal’s early-season ambitions took a slight hit with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, but former Gunners defender Martin Keown insists there’s no reason to panic. With 35 matches still to play, Keown believes Arsenal have the resilience and quality to bounce back — provided they embrace a more aggressive mentality.
⚔️ A Tight Contest at Anfield
The clash between two Premier League heavyweights was evenly matched for much of the game, with both sides showing tactical discipline and flashes of attacking intent. Ultimately, it was a moment of brilliance — a stunning free-kick — that separated the teams and handed Liverpool all three points.
The result sees Liverpool maintain a perfect record with three wins from three, while Arsenal, who had previously impressed against top-six opposition, now find themselves trailing their rivals in the early standings.
🧠 Keown’s Call for Mentality Shift
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Keown emphasized that Arsenal’s setback should be viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a cause for concern.
“We want more. Arsenal, I feel now are at the stage where it’s a mentality change,” he said. “They need to change gear, they’ve really got to go after it. You’ve got to have the eye of the tiger to really go and win these games.”
Keown acknowledged the disappointment but urged fans and pundits not to write off the Gunners so early in the campaign.
“Looking back, I hope we don’t regret it, but it’s too early in the season to write Arsenal off.”
He also pointed to the club’s recent history of resilience, noting that those who doubt Arsenal’s ability to recover may not have followed their progress closely over the past three seasons.
🔄 Turning Setback Into Fuel
The defeat at Anfield could serve as a catalyst for Arsenal to sharpen their focus and reignite their title challenge. With a deep squad, bolstered by summer signings like Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi, and a manager in Mikel Arteta who has instilled a winning culture, the Gunners have the tools to respond.
Keown’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among Arsenal supporters: that this team is no longer content with near-misses. The hunger for silverware is real — and setbacks like this must be met with intensity and resolve.
🔮 What’s Next?
Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining how they rebound from the Liverpool loss. A strong response could reassert their credentials and keep them firmly in the title conversation.
As Keown suggests, the key lies in mentality. If Arsenal can channel their frustration into focused aggression and maintain their high standards, they’ll remain a formidable force in the Premier League race.
The season is long, and the Gunners are far from finished.