Martin Keown compares Man City star Julian Alvarez to Arsenal icon after win vs Nottingham Forest

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has likened the 'intelligent' Julian Alvarez to Dennis Bergkamp after another brilliant performance during Saturday's 2-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest.

Alvarez failed to register a goal or assist for the first time since the 2-1 win at Sheffield United in August but continued to impress in behind Erling Haaland. The 23-year-old was a constant threat in pockets of space, pulling a defensive Forest side apart and opening up the gaps for his teammates.

It was his sharp pass into Phil Foden that set the wheels in motion for City's second, with the latter bouncing the ball into Matheus Nunes whose cross found a free and clinical Haaland. The Argentinian should probably have scored when he scuffed an effort from close range but Keown was full of praise.

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"He reminds me of Bergkamp because he starts as a striker and just wanders into that position and you're wondering who will pick him up," Keown told Match of the Day. "They haven't missed De Bruyne, which is a massive credit to him.

"His intelligence of movement where he wanders into that spot, always looking for space, always in the pocket and they always find him. He's always on the half-turn, ready to go, looking for the big man up top. He stretches the back line.

"They're playing now at an incredible level, wonderful talents all over. He’ll drift out wide as De Bruyne does occasionally. He's got everything ahead of him, a wonderful talent."

Alvarez was unfortunate to come off before the hour mark, with Pep Guardiola forced into defensive changes following a red card for Rodri. The City