Arsenal legend Martin Keown admits reservations over Martin Odegaard role

Club legend Martin Keown has suggested that Mikel Arteta has taken a risk by moving Emile Smith Rowe away from a central area.

Despite starring for the Gunners since the end of 2020, Smith Rowe has recently been forced to occupy a role on the left flank to accommodate new arrival Martin Odegaard.

While Keown does not doubt the ability of the Real Madrid loanee, the former centre-back has hinted that he would have preferred Smith Rowe to continue in his previous position.

Speaking to BT Sport, Keown said: "The reservations I have is Smith Rowe was playing especially well in that position. Now, perhaps Arteta didn't feel he was getting enough from [Nicolas] Pepe defensively so Smith Rowe's gone into that position.

"Now you've got [Bukayo} Saka and Smith Rowe in wide positions. They have really good movement, tuck inside nicely, they give that space for the full backs to get wide and they know when to press.

"But maybe they lose a little bit, for the time being, until Odegaard is ready to match speed. There were glimpses of really good play."

Odegaard has not contributed a goal or assist in his first 200 minutes of football since his temporary switch to the Emirates Stadium.