'Simple as that': Martin Keown shares what Arsenal must now do to close gap on Liverpool
Today at 01:15 PM
Arsenal have bounced back from their disappointing pre-international break form with two resounding wins in a row.
The Gunners hit the ground running after the November break with a 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal then went to Sporting CP, who were unbeaten at home for over 12 months, and ran out 5-1 winners in their Champions League clash.
The Gunners’ impressive form has seen them being talked about as title and European contenders once again.
Indeed, BBC Sport pundit Leon Osman believes Arsenal can win the Champions League this season.
Admittedly, Arsenal have some ground to make up in the Premier League, with Liverpool now eight points clear at the top.
Highbury legend Martin Keown has now spoken about what Mikel Arteta’s charges need to do in order to close the gap on Liverpool.
READ MORE: William Saliba says Arsenal have 'one of the best' players in the world in his position
Martin Keown says Arsenal need to embark on ‘outstanding’ Premier League winning run
Keown, speaking on talkSPORT, said it’s imperative for Arsenal to now embark on a “really outstanding” winning run.
"They need to win seven or eight games before [January],” said the Gunners legend.
"That’s what you have to do. Simple as that. You have to go on one of these really outstanding runs.
"The Forest game was one to shut out the noise. Obviously you’re looking at it and seeing there’s lots of injuries, lots of suspensions, lots of away games.
"I mean, Arsenal at the moment are in a sequence of seven games where only one of them is at home.
"And so you look at it and you think about Liverpool’s fixtures but you all play the same teams. Even this one now for Liverpool – Man City – it’s a beautiful time for Liverpool to play Man City.”
Keown hopeful Manchester City can take points off Liverpool
Keown suggested he was hopeful that Man City now have an “incredible” opportunity to bounce back against Liverpool and take points off Arne Slot’s side.
However, the Arsenal legend didn’t seem too convinced, saying the Reds “don’t seem to be having any problems right now”.
With that in mind, Keown said the North Londoners need to just think about themselves, keep everyone fit, and embark on a great winning run.
"It might just be an incredible moment for City to strike back,” said Keown.
“So, Arsenal just need to go on a run, keep healthy and have everybody available. Some players were rested at the weekend.
"I think it was great to have us get a rest and hope, I suppose, that Liverpool start to ship points.
"They don’t seem to be having any problems right now. And they have won a Premier League in recent times.
“The nucleus of that team, certainly the back four and [Mohamed] Salah, is a Premier League winning team."
Arsenal are next in action on Saturday evening as they take on West Ham United in a 5:30pm Premier League kick-off.
