Does Keown love divers?

[Jere Markus]

an article By Nick Townsend in Kobe

Sven is wily enough to know that every team needs a Keown. At some stage in this tournament he will want a Batistuta or a Larsson man-marked. He will want someone to maintain a closer contact to the opposition's attackers than an Oxford Street pickpocket, a character to block and to commit himself to a last-ditch tackle when others have failed in their duties. Then the Arsenal veteran will come into his own.

Keown doesn't have much time for conspiracy theories; like the one that Tord Grip insisted on his inclusion after watching him perform in the climactic game at Old Trafford between the champions and the champions-elect.

"A bad game might not have helped me, but I believe the manager would have made up his mind a long time before that about who was going and who wasn't," Keown insists. "Anyway, I was just focused on trying to win the title rather than thinking about anything else."

Nevertheless, he was a man possessed that night with an absolute desire to claim that championship medal, particularly after having played little part in the FA Cup final element of the Double four days earlier.

At times, the man so familiar for his eye-bulging and contortions of the facial muscles he ought to sit as a gargoyle model, was in danger of losing his composure at Old Trafford, notably when he was convinced that Ruud van Nistelrooy had dived. Not surprisingly, Keown greets with approval the reports that referees have been instructed to clampdown on "diving" in this World Cup. "It's great," he says. "There's nothing more frustrating than when someone dives and the ref waves play on. And if he points to the spot, I get booked or sent off."

However, it will have been his sheer obduracy in not allowing a United man past that will have taken Grip's eye rather than any display of dubious temperament. "A lot is said about centre-forwards being instinctive finishers," he says. "Some of us are instinctive defenders. Forwards can smell a chance. I can smell danger. It comes from experience and understanding opponents." And he knows Gabriel Batistuta exceedingly well. "If I'm up against him, I'll look forward to it," Keown says grimly.

He would appearadmirably suited to a confrontation with the potentially abrasive Argentines. "I seem to be getting a bit of a reputation, don't I?" Keown says ruefully. "All I know is the game still has to be played within the rules. I like to think I play in an honest fashion, though if it gets physical then I can also look after myself."

why all this talk about Keown? Why so many people think he can be the answer for England and maybe even salvage England in the WC?

Strange..

now even Everton think they could have him

[Mark]

good player but unlikely to be in the starting X!

[Red Devil]

He was a good player but now he's past it; if and when he plays some of these young strikers will pass him like he isn't there!

[Jere Markus]

young strikers will pass him like he isn't there

are you on something!!!?? :??? :eek

Have watched ANY Arsenal games. Or even read the results? If you did, you would´ve had noticed Arse (and Keown) won the Premier, lost 3 games total and conceded 36 goals in Premier. That is 6 goals more, only 6 goals more than Pool.

Ok, you all say Dudek, Hyypiä, Riise and them all are Premier 11 quality. How come Keown accomplishes 6 less goals with WRIGHT, S. Taylor, Seaman, Luzhny, Stepanovs, Sol Campbell (who you people also say can not play), Lauren..

Where do you base you views RD? Because there are no FACTS to support it. You should go now, find some facts and come back support your statement.

If Keown can start over 20 games for the Double Champions. How can he be that bad? I can not see that? As Mr. Watson on my other thread said, Keown is right up there, if not better than Rio or Sol. It´s not only cause of his speed, but his all around game and mentality.

And when was the last time ANY striker embarrased Keown? I remember RVN, Solskjäer and company trying at OT.. did they score? And your beloved GIGGS he did NOTHING against Keown there.

You make me laugh. You only wish YOUR team had Martin. Jealous. Sour grapes you are.

[Red Devil]

Jere - With the best will in the world players slow up - its called age. The last time I saw him play he appeared to be half a yard down when "chasing" - after all its only my own opinion - others are entitled to theirs....

[cucumberman]

I think Keown should be in the starting eleven. We need a solid back four and Keown, along with Campbell, Cole and Ferdinand will fit the bill nicely.

[Red Devil]

I think Keown should be in the starting eleven. We need a solid back four and Keown, along with Campbell, Cole and Ferdinand will fit the bill nicely.

Against Sweden yes possibly, he should be ok against his team mate Punkhead!!

[Jere Markus]

be ok against his team mate Punkhead

please don´t. Keown might KILL HIM!!! :eek :eek

and I know Keown is getting slower, but that does not necessarily mean he can not play anymore.

[Mark]

freddie might be injured for the match against us anyway so we can save the fighting with keown

[Red Devil]

please don´t. Keown might KILL HIM!!! :eek :eek

and I know Keown is getting slower, but that does not necessarily mean he can not play anymore.

Promises!! ref first sentence!!