Arsenal fan reaction split on Martin Keown’s outlook on Kolasinac

Arsenal eased their way to the top of Group E with a comfortable 3-0 win against Qarabag FK meaning they are level on points with Sporting Lisbon who, like the Gunners, have won both of their games so far. Following the game, club legend Martin Keown commented negatively on the performance of left-wing-back Sead Kolasinac which left some Arsenal fans in two minds as to who they side with.

Martin Keown on Kolasinac:

"Kolasinac was a problem. Kolasinac is a player that wants to go forward but he doesn’t want to defend. He really was a weakness for Arsenal" #afc pic.twitter.com/YAGVpKgdh3

— Arsenal TSN (@ArsenalTSN) October 4, 2018

On one side of the argument, a number of Arsenal fans were sympathetic with the Bosnian following a recent return from a long-term injury and understand that it will take time to become fully fit again, alongside having to adjust to Unai Emery’s philosophy.

https://twitter.com/NundySam/status/1047966346791796736

https://twitter.com/Dr_Kovac14/status/1047964067820785664

He is just back from an injury. I glad he played the entire game. He can only improve from where he is.

— Mulindwa (@mulindwa10) October 4, 2018

On the other hand, some Gunners weren’t as sympathetic following the 25-year-old’s display and were critical of his defending, or lack of it, as even though wing-backs are allowed more leeway to attack, they still must be able to do the other side of the job. The quality to which Kolasinac can perform this side of his game when fully fit will play a pivotal factor in how much game-time he does get under Emery.