Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal news: ‘He really was a weakness’ - Martin Keown criticises star vs Qarabag
ARSENAL left-back Sead Kolasinac was the Gunners’ weakness in tonight’s Europa League victory over Qarabag.
Mustafi and Kolasinac ask each other quick-fire questions
That is according to former Arsenal and England defender turned pundit Martin Keown.
Unai Emery’s side beat Azerbaijan champions Qarabag 3-0 to make it two wins from two in the Europa League this season.
Goals from Sokratis, Emile Smith Rowe and Matteo Guendouzi gave Arsenal what looked like a comfortable win on paper.
However, Qarabag caused the visitors a number of problems defensively and goalkeeper Bernd Leno had to be called into action on several occasions.
Kolasinac is a player that wants to go forward but he doesn’t want to defend. He really was a weakness for Arsenal
Kolasinac was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from a knee injury.
But Keown was disappointed in the Bosnian’s performance, claiming he does not want to defend.
“Kolasinac was a problem,” Keown said on BT Sport.
“We’re just looking here at the defensive responsibilities and he gets done there with one ball because his body shape is wrong.
“He’s not in line with the rest of his team and he looked very vulnerable.
“Kolasinac is a player that wants to go forward but he doesn’t want to defend.
“He really was a weakness for Arsenal.
“But he’s not been in with the group, he’s not played in the back four.
Arsenal train ahead of Qarabag Europa League clash
“He’s not picked up the message of what the manager is looking for.”
The victory means Arsenal have now won their last eight games in all competitions.
A trip to Craven Cottage to play Fulham is next on the agenda on Sunday.