Martin Keown criticises Arsenal academy manager for missing Spurs game
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has criticised Per Mertesacker for missing Thursday night’s FA Youth Cup match between the Gunners and Tottenham in order to watch NBA basketball.Mertesacker is the club’s Academy Manager but chose not to attend the fourth round tie at Meadow Park in Boreham Wood to provide analysis for DAZN’s coverage of the Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks clash at the O2 Arena.The German missed an exciting game, with Arsenal twice coming from behind against their north London rivals to prevail 5-2 in extra time and reach the fifth round.Mertesacker was criticised by Arsenal fans on social media and Sportsmail columnist Keown also believes he made an error of judgement.In his weekly Tackle Keown feature on MailOnline, he said: ‘He should have been at the game. I’m a big fan of Per Mertesacker but he should not have prioritised going to the basketball.’When I played in FA Youth Cup matches with Arsenal, you would look up to the stands and see not only youth team coaches but first-team manager Don Howe and the club’s directors.’As a young player, these matches were your first chance to impress the senior figures at the club.’In his position, Mertesacker has to treat those young players as if they were his own children. It should be a privilege to work with them and help develop their careers.’Had his own son been playing in that Youth Cup match, would Mertesacker have missed it?’The erstwhile Germany stalwart, who also turns out as a pundit for DAZN’s Champions League coverage, is known to be a Cleveland Cavaliers fan and tweeted earlier on Thursday to say: ‘A highlight every year: The NBA London Game.’For me the first time for @DAZN_DE as an expert. I’m looking forward to it!’But fans were stunned Mertesacker wasn’t at one of the youth team’s most important matches of the season.’Maybe he should be Mertesacked am I right?,’ said one Twitter user after learning of his absence.Another added: ‘Get rid out of the Club mate absolutely disrespect.’While one user questioned how the young players would respond to this sort of behaviour, by saying: ‘What kind of message does that send the youth players?’Arsenal fell behind to an early goal by Armando Shashoua at Boreham Wood but Ben Cottrell drew them level shortly afterwards.Spurs took the lead for a second time through J’Neil Bennett, but a Bukayo Saka penalty forced extra time.It was during the additional 30 minutes that Arsenal cut loose, with goals by Xavier Amaechi, Folarin Balogun and Saka setting up a home fifth round tie with West Bromwich Albion.
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