Martin Keown hints at a 'top-four finish' for Arsenal this season

Martin Keown heaped praise on Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad for securing a victory against Wolves while down to 10-men on Thursday evening. 

Arsenal won the game 1-0 after Gabriel Magalhaes found the back of the net in the first half. However, the Gunners were forced to play the final 20 minutes of the game with just 10 men after Gabriel Martinelli was sent off for two bookable offences within five seconds of each other. 

Keown commended Arteta's decision to bring on Rob Holding shortly after Martinelli’s red card and hinted at a top-four finish for Arsenal following their 'united' display at the Molineux. 

Speaking after the game, the BT Sport pundit said: ‘It’s a huge win when you look at the context of the game. 

‘In the circumstances, going down to 10 men, it is the sort of result that you build you season upon and Arsenal need to take steps forward now.

‘Martinelli will of course be suspended for the next game against Brentford, but you can see to the players what it means.

‘They are coming together as a group and that’s a really important result for Arsenal tonight.' 

Arsenal went down to 10 men after Martinelli was shown two yellow cards for two different offences within five seconds of each other. 

The Brazilian’s first yellow card was awarded for his shove on Daniel Podence. His second was for the foul he committed on Chiquinho shortly after.  

His sending off put Arsenal under pressure, but Keown was impressed with Arsenal's defensive solidarity.     

Having been asked how he rated Arsenal's defensive performance on Thursday evening, Keown said it was: ‘Very good.

‘It was a smart move to bring on Rob Holding. Every time he’s come on he’s really performed well and they saw it through. That’s the important