Mikel Arteta told to stop playing 23-year-old Arsenal star after horrible performance against PSV

Arsenal legend Martin Keown said Mikel Arteta was ruthless with Albert Sambi Lokonga and Rob Holding after their mistakes against PSV yesterday.

The Gunners suffered a disappointing defeat in Eindhoven. It was only their second defeat in all competitions this season, but it was certainly their worst performance.

Lokonga and Holding, in particular, had an afternoon to forget.

Martin Keown says Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga was switched off against PSV yesterday.

The Gunners were really bad from start to finish against PSV. They deserved nothing from the game, but it must be said that they could have avoided the two goals they conceded.

Looking back at PSV’s first goal, Keown, who knows a thing or two about defending, said Holding wasn’t where he should be. He wanted Arsenal’s number 16 to cross, but he didn’t.

Lokonga was also criticised for the initial pass. Keown says he switched off completely after that and didn’t try to go back and block the shot.

Lokonga was replaced immediately after the goal and Holding suffered the same fate just after PSV had doubled their lead. Keown described Arteta’s decision to send off both players as “ruthless”.

The commentator said on BT Sport after the game, quoted by The Metro: “Looking at Rob Holding there [on the first goal], you have to stay on the side of the goal. A big man [De Jong] came in, so Holding has to cross.

“Lokonga could do more with the initial ball and then he switches off. He has to break every nerve in his body to come back and block, but he doesn’t.

“Arteta was pretty ruthless as both players hooked up soon after. It’s a tough school out there.”