---
title: "Leeds United: Martin Keown rips into Marcelo Bielsa in the build up to facing Arsenal"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-martin-keown-rips-into-marcelo-bielsa-in-the-build-up-to-facing-arsenal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Seychell"
section: "Features"
published: "2020-11-16T14:00:36Z"
modified: "2020-11-16T14:00:36Z"
---

# Leeds United: Martin Keown rips into Marcelo Bielsa in the build up to facing Arsenal

**Leeds United are preparing to face Arsenal this weekend and they will want to make up for their [4-1](https://www.sofascore.com/crystal-palace-leeds-united/hsJ) defeat to Crystal Palace before the international break. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown may just have given Leeds all of the motivation they need.**

### Keown’s comments on Bielsa and the club

Speaking to [talkSPORT](https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1327257409895612416?s=20) about how Bielsa has coped in the Premier League so far, Keown said: “If I was being asked to do that, I’d have to sit down with the boss after the game against Palace and say I’m not really sure I completely believe in this because I’m out on my feet here – as the Leeds players were in that match.

“They were broken down. It was fascinating to commentate on and fascinating to watch but, actually, it wasn’t a winning formula.”

“I don’t know if there has to be a plan B, I think it’s a case of needing a bit more restraint. He’s had 70-odd matches there and the players are well-drilled and know exactly what he wants.”

“I don’t know if the players can sustain it, what I am seeing is their two central defenders being exposed. If you’re going man-for-man all over the pitch, there’ll eventually be someone in a one-vs-one situation and they’re not comfortable with that. Vardy and Zaha both did it for them.”

### Leeds will now want to prove critics wrong

This tirade that Keown has launched at the club and manager could potentially add fuel to the fire for Leeds. It is a very big game for both sides this weekend as both [lost](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/table) their last Premier League fixture, so both will want to make things right with a victory.

The Gunners will be favourites going into the game but Bielsa will feel like his side will need to pick up at least a point as they have only picked up [four points in their last five games](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/table).

The comments from Keown don’t paint the whole picture. The club will feel confident they can produce an upset as they have already managed to [draw](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/scores-fixtures) to Manchester City and fight toe-to-toe with Liverpool as they narrowly [lost 4-3](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/scores-fixtures) and Bielsa’s tactics and system have worked well for a few years, so it’d be silly to just abandon that now.

***In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has discussed why Premier League survival is more important than ever. Have a read why [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/uncategorised/leeds-united-phil-hay-discusses-why-premier-league-survival-is-more-important-than-ever/)!***