Martin Keown believes Mikel Merino 'missed an opportunity' during Arsenal's 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli on Wednesday night, a result that kick-started the Premier League champions' European campaign.
Arsenal dominated the Serie A side but looked set to drop points until Martin Odegaard slotted home his fourth goal in five games with 15 minutes remaining. The win was Arsenal's first in this season's Champions League, following their final defeat to PSG last term.
Keown's verdict on Merino and Arsenal's title credentials
Speaking on TNT Sports, Keown said: 'I thought Mikel Merino coming back into midfield missed an opportunity tonight. We missed him last season but I thought he was a little rusty on his first start for a while.'
Merino, who helped Spain win the World Cup over the summer, was substituted in the 65th minute after a rare start. Given Mikel Arteta's depth in midfield, the former Arsenal defender suggested the 29-year-old could struggle for game-time.
Despite that, Keown was encouraged by Arsenal's overall display. 'But overall it's looking good for Arsenal. The drive and determination and hunger is there,' he added. 'Those Napoli players will tell you that Arsenal are going to go all the way again this season because that will have been one of the most difficult games they would have been involved in.'
Odegaard earns praise from Keown, Cole, and Arteta
Keown was particularly impressed by Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Piero Hincapie, but singled out the captain for special praise. 'Martin Odegaard is the icing on the cake. Shooting from outside the box, I can't remember the last time he did that. He looks like the real deal,' he said.
Joe Cole echoed that sentiment, describing Odegaard's performance as 'brilliant.' The former Chelsea and England midfielder said: 'Martin Odegaard was brilliant all night. He is back to his very, very best. He is probably thinking even though they won the league last season, he didn't have a good season personally. He looks like the player we admired 18 months ago, he was brilliant. Everything runs through Martin Odegaard. He can stand still and find space. He is at the peak of his powers and it is beautiful to watch. You can't help but love watching him play his football.'
Arteta called his captain 'decisive' after the match. 'Martin is contributing with goals that are impacting results which is what we want from our attacking players,' the Arsenal manager said. 'We want them to be decisive and certainly he was again today.'
What's next for Arsenal
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday against Sunderland. The Gunners are aiming to go one better in the Champions League this season after losing to PSG in last year's final.
