Martin Keown believes his former club Arsenal sent an important message after coming from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 on Wednesday night.
The Gunners fell behind early on at the Gtech Community Stadium when Bryan Mbeumo beat David Raya at his near post, but the visitors hit back just before the half-hour mark through Gabriel Jesus.
Two goals in three second-half minutes from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli sealed the comeback for Mikel Arteta's men, and Keown was impressed by the mettle shown by Arsenal, who reduced the gap on the league leaders to six points , Liverpool.
“They upped the intensity, that's a strong sign from this team,” Keown told TNT Sports while reflecting on Arsenal's second-half display.
“They are alive and well, still in this race. At half-time the coach would have had a few words. They showed good character and personality and in the second half they showed their class. They really trampled their opponent with two quick goals and then it was decisive. That sends a message that they are still in this title race.
'That's the first of nine games in January. League Cup, FA Cup, you name it, they are in all the competitions. Keeps the pot boiling now. Put pressure on Liverpool, on you. “It sends a little message that they are still in this race.”
Martin Keown feels Mikel Arteta's Arsenal showed Liverpool they are still in the title race
Arsenal cut the difference with Arne Slot's Liverpool to six points by beating Brentford 3-1
Gabriel Martinelli scored and revealed that Arsenal are working as a team to cover the loss of the injured Bukayo Saka.
Wednesday's match was Arsenal's second since talisman Bukayo Saka was ruled out for at least two months with a hamstring injury.
They struggled to defeat Ipswich in a nervy 1-0 win last week, but this time they offered a greater attacking threat.
Martinelli admitted finding a like-for-like replacement for Saka is impossible but revealed Arsenal are determined to step up as a collective unit to cover the loss of the England international.
“No one can replace him (Saka), he is one of the best players in the world, but we know our reputation and we know the team we have,” Martinelli said.
“We trust in ourselves and we are going to give our best for the club and also for the B. I am sure he is happy with the result.”
