‘Delusional’, ‘Intolerable’ – Aston Villa fans raging after what Martin Keown said in win vs Arsenal
Martin Keown forced some viewers to mute their televisions during Aston Villa’s last-gasp win against Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday.
Matty Cash has been sublime for Villa since putting pen to paper on a new contract, and it was the right-back who opened the scoring in the top-of-the-table clash on 6 December.
Despite an awful start to the 2025-26 campaign, Gary Neville had tipped Villa to “shock the world”, not just against the Gunners, but also in the Premier League title race.
Now, after their sixth straight win across all competitions, the Villans have moved within three points of the league leaders, with Emi Buendia netting the winner with the last kick of the game.
Even with the celebrations and success, Keown was still getting clear messages from the home support.
Ollie Watkins sees an early chance foiled by David Raya
In the 10th minute, Ollie Watkins sat Jurrien Timber down before unleashing a strike, almost from the penalty spot, but saw his effort cannon off goalkeeper David Raya.
The home supporters felt that the Villa striker should have done so much better with the chance, basically shooting straight at the shot-stopper, but Keown wanted to laud Raya’s “world-class” save instead.
It is safe to say that Villa fans watching at home were sick of the Arsenal legend’s voice on commentary, accusing him of complete bias, which is why he was so complimentary of the goalkeeper.
- @Troyboymay90: “Martin Keown making me want to mute my TV and watch in silence.”
- @madden536: “Martin Keown is some clown literally anywhere else and Watkins scores “world class save” give it a rest mate.”
- @DannyJ4812: “Get Keown off this commentary! Arsenal fans and ex-players are delusional and intolerable. All acting like they’ve won it already.”
Ollie Watkins remains miles away from his former self
Watkins finally looked back to his usual self as Villa staged a comeback against Brighton, netting twice in the first half of that game, but the rustiness and lack of confidence are still there for the striker.
In the last two seasons combined, the England international notched 44 goals and 27 assists, taking the Villans into a top-four Premier League battle, as well as achieving Champions League football.
For whatever reason, Unai Emery has not been able to unlock the same player this season, and had he been on top form, Villa might have gone into the half-time break with a two-goal lead.
Thankfully, his teammates were able to make up for his missed chances, with Buendia scoring after only replacing Pau Torres in the 87th minute.