Martin Keown slams Manchester United star for his celebration during Chelsea defeat
Martin Keown has slammed Alejandro Garnacho for his goal celebration during Manchester United’s demoralising Premier League defeat against Chelsea.
Garnacho halved United’s deficit with a well-taken goal at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea raced into a 2-0 lead, and then put the visitors in front in the second half with a cushioned header from Antony’s superb cross.
The Argentine’s momentum took him towards the travelling Manchester United fans after his goal and he celebrated by sitting on the advertising board with his hands on his hips.
For a long period it seemed like Garnacho’s header would prove to be the winner but Chelsea equalised in the 100th minute from the penalty spot before Cole Palmer completed his hat-trick with a sensational winner.
It was the latest a team has ever been behind and gone on to win in Premier League history and made a major dent in United’s hopes of gate-crashing the top-four during the run-in.
‘They produce good moments like Antony’s ball to Garnacho, which was fantastic, but that’s his first assist of the season for goodness’ sake,’ Arsenal legend Keown told talkSPORT.
‘The way that the players celebrate – Garnacho, get your backside off the advertising board and get back and get ready to defend because the opposition are going to come at you.
‘People say Arsenal over-celebrate but what are United doing? Everyone is celebrating that goal but I’m not having it, I want you back in position and to give give me something defensively.’
Manchester United looked all at sea as Chelsea took a commanding lead inside 20 minutes but it appeared that individual quality from the likes of Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes would rescue Erik ten Hag’s side.
Two injury-time goals piled more pressure on the Dutchman, however, who is fighting to convince the Old Trafford hierarchy to give him more time.
Asked if he believes Ten Hag can survive as United manager, Keown said: ‘One assumes not. He doesn’t even seem to be able to see the problems.
‘I don’t know where the basics are or where the leaders are in that team. He’s too reliant on individuals and, based on what he says after, he doesn’t understand the value of the team.
‘There will have to be changes at this rate. I don’t like to see anyone lose their job but it’s going to happen, it’s inevitable isn’t it?’
Keown, a three-time Premier League winner with Arsenal, says he ‘couldn’t quite believe’ how the Stamford Bridge clash panned out and criticised United for not playing ‘as a team’.
The defeat in west London means Manchester United stay nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham and 11 behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the Premier League.
‘We heard Erik ten Hag saying he thought it was a great performance and they suffered because of individual mistakes, but they don’t play as a team at all,’ Keown added.
‘A defensive brain doesn’t exist in that side. No one in that team wants to defend, they were completely exposed last night. I couldn’t quite believe what I was watching at times.
‘They don’t know how to press as a group, they try to do but teams play through them so easily. It was an unbelievable game to watch but the basics just aren’t there for United.’
Manchester United return to action on Sunday against arch-rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool, while Chelsea travel to Sheffield United.
