Martin Keown claims ‘Arsenal have laid down a marker of how good their team is’ and heaps praise on Bukayo Saka claiming he’s ‘the best in Europe right now’ following their 6-0 thumping against Lens

Martin Keown believes Arsenal‘s 6-0 victory against Lens has ‘laid down a marker’ for other teams across Europe. 

The Gunners will advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a game to spare, having only lost one game in their European campaign so far. 

They started brightly in the match with four different players getting on the scoresheet inside 27 minutes, with Kai Havertz opening their goal account with his second goal in consecutive matches. 

After the match, former Gunners defender Keown lauded their younger stars claiming the north London side showcased the quality of the English first division. 

‘Tonight we see the quality of what our Premier League teams are capable of, they blew Lens away,’ Keown said to TNT Sports.

Martin Keown believes the Gunners have ‘laid down a marker’ to other teams around Europe 

The home side stunned Lens, scoring four goals in the first 27 minutes of the match 

‘Of Course we lost the first game against them and they’ve bounced back. They’ve laid down a marker of how really good this Arsenal team is tonight.’ 

After Havertz took the first, Gabriel Jesus, who was assisted by Saka, doubled their lead, with the England forward following up with their third just two minutes later.

And Keown lauded their younger talents, including Saka, 22, who has three goals and four assists in the Champions League so far this season. 

‘This is their first season for a lot of these young players. Looking at Saka we’re talking about the assists and the goals he scores – the best in Europe right now,’ Keown added.

‘That was really a message from Arsenal. I know they’re in their own back garden and Man City is there too – the best team in Europe right now. But who’s the next best? Is it Liverpool? Is it Arsenal? And who is it in Europe.’

Mikel Arteta’s side have now won their group, with PSV unable to surpass them at the top despite winning against Sevilla on Wednesday

Kai Havertz opened the scoring netting his second goal in consecutive games 

Gabriel Jesus added the second not long after, with Saka providing him with an assist

Arsenal are now also top of the Premier League standings, one point clear of Man City

More to follow…