Keown: Vermaelen's been great, but defence needs adjustments

Martin Keown has been speaking to Arsenal TV Online about the team's defending this season.

Arsène Wenger pointed to the fact that Arsenal conceded 41 goals in the league, too many to be champions, and Keown agrees.

The former Arsenal defender believes the back four weren't given enough protection from the midfield and attack, leaving them exposed on the break.

He said: "You don't want to concede goals, but you can't just blame the defence.

"At the start of the season the players were pressing the ball very well, but somewhere along the line that kind of disappeared.

"What was most concerning was the big games against Chelsea and Manchester United, where we lost games trying to win them and we were done on the break."

Keown added that, once again, the team's lack of experience proved costly on occasions.

He said: "What you hope is that these players gain experience each year because you have to learn from your experiences.

"We're just talking about small adjustments, not anything major, I do feel, though, that they need a little more experience."

A big positive from the season was the signing of Thomas Vermaelen, who adapted quickly to the English game.

Keown has been impressed by the Belgian centre-back, and hopes he will become a real leader for the Gunners' back four.

He said: "[Vermaelen]'s been outstanding. What I'd like to see him do now is grow, I'd like to see him become a leader, I'd like to see him become more vocal.

"What I love about him is he goes and attacks the ball. People criticised that he was only 5'11, but he proves that it doesn't matter.

"Once he understands his role he can bring the rest of the back four with him and organise that back-line."

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