Martin Keown has previously joked about upsetting royalty following last weekend's Premier League action
Martin Keown
Arsenal legend Martin Keown(Image: TNT Sports)
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Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has defended his decision to name Martin Odegaard his Player of the Match during the Gunners' 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Keown named Martin Odegaard as his standout performer before Emi Buendia's dramatic late winner.
After the late win for Unai Emery's team, Prince William questioned Keown's decision on social media. "Surely Emi Buendia for Man of the Match? ! An incredible game! UTV [Up the Villa]," posted The Prince of Wales on X, formerly Twitter.
Keown responded by saying: "I'm really sorry that I've upset royalty, but I actually gave it out - can you believe it? - in the 89th minute. I was a bit early." He added: "We can unofficially change it. I don't want to be court-martialled."
Now, four days after the exchange, Keown has doubled down on his verdict. TNT Sports' Adam Summeron joked to Keown prior to Arsenal's Champions League game at Club Brugge: "You'll be glad to know you haven't got to pick a man of the match tonight."
In response, Keown said: "Well I think my judgement stacks up, particularly when Buendia was only on the pitch what was it, seven minutes in total. I think two minutes after he came on I gave my man of the match.
"I hope he's watching tonight and tuning into some Champions League and maybe Aston Villa can be in this competition again next season. I sincerely hope that happens. Very diplomatic."
Emi Buendia celebrates his winner for Aston Villa against Arsenal
Emi Buendia celebrates his winner for Aston Villa against Arsenal
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Villa's win was their ninth consecutive home victory and their ninth from their last 10 Premier League games. Their last defeat in the league came against reigning champions Liverpool.
Unai Emery's men will be aiming to keep up their good form when they take on FC Basel in the Europa League on Thursday night. Their title ambitions will be tested against West Ham United on Sunday.
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