Roy Keane has criticised Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on ITV (10:03pm, January 27, 2023) for his performance against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Manchester United legend was not impressed by what he saw from Lokonga in Arsenal’s FA Cup tie against Premier League rivals Manchester City on Friday evening.
The £17.2 million (BBC Sport) midfielder came on as a substitute for Thomas Partey at half time.
Arsenal lost the tie 1-0.
ROY KEANE AND IAN WRIGHT ON ALBERT SAMBI LOKONGA FOR ARSENAL V MANCHESTER CITY
Wright said about Lokonga: “He needs minutes, he needs to be playing, he needs to be able to understand, more of where he is, what he needs to do, where he needs to be. dropping in.
“You kind of have to sense that danger. That’s why he needs these minutes in games of this quality because that’s where you learn.”
Keane replied: “You hope at this age and at this level they have already learned that part of that game. Big concern.”
DISAPPOINTING
In our view, Albert Sambi Lokonga had a disappointing time against Manchester City and should have done better for Arsenal.
Now, we know that Lokonga is not at the level of Thomas Partey yet, but his failure to close down space and not realising which positions to take underlined the fact that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta really cannot have him as a back-up.
If Partey gets injured long term and Lokonga has to step in for him, then the Gunners could be in trouble.
Yes, we have to consider the fact that the Belgium international midfielder is only 23.
And he is not starting games on a regular basis.
So, we cannot simply expect the midfielder to come in at short notice and give a Player of the Match performance.
However, it is also Lokonga’s responsibility to make the most of the chances that he gets.
And he did not take it against Manchester City.
