Football News

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has urged Mauricio Pochettino to have 'harsh words' with his team after watching Chelsea capitulate to a 5-0 defeat by the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta's side put the Blues to the sword at the Emirates with a devastating second-half display that saw them move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Chelsea, on the other hand, without their talisman Cole Palmer, fell to their 11th defeat of the campaign. Nevertheless, Pochettino was reluctant to publicly admonish his players in his post-match interview.

Keown, though, believes the time has come for the former Tottenham boss to have strong words with his young squad, many of whom have arrived at Stamford Bridge for large fees.

'The balance of recruitment has been wrong and they've spent a fortune, billion pounds and worth of signings.' He said on TNT Sports. 'It's unbelievable. There has to be some harsh words, and it has to be from the manager as well.

'He's tripping him over himself not to have a go at these players. I see that he's mindful, but the messages are not there for the players poor start to the match both halves.

'You look at the set piece, and that's down as well. As much as the management is to the players. '

Arsenal took the lead after only four minutes on Tuesday night when Leandro Trossard's low drive evaded Djordje Petrovic at his near post.  However, the Gunners were made to wait until a few minutes before the hour to make the result safe.

Ben White's first of the night came from a loose ball in the area in the 52nd minute before Kai Havertz grabbed his 10th goal of the season only five minutes later.

Both players doubled their tally for the evening in the second period to inflict Arsenal's biggest ever victory on

Mikel Arteta Martin Keown Leandro Trossard Cole Palmer Mauricio Pochettino Kai Havertz Arsenal