**Martin Keown has insisted that Arsenal cannot be blamed for letting Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah go.**
The Gunners are 15 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool following their [draw with Manchester United.](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c70erlxj32gt)
The title looks out of their reach for another season – and injuries to key attacking players have been a major part of Arsenal’s problems.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are all out and Gabriel Martinelli was also recently sidelined.
Some have therefore questioned the decisions to sell Smith Rowe to Fulham and Nketiah to Crystal Palace.
However, speaking on Talksport, former Gunners defender Keown said: “Those two players were hardly playing for Arsenal.
“A decision was taken that their pathway to the first team was blocked by a succession of players that are now injured.”
Smith Rowe was himself hampered by injuries during his time at the Emirates Stadium and has continued to have problems at Fulham, although he has impressed when he has played.
Nketiah, meanwhile, did not score a league goal for Palace until last month.
“Smith Rowe needed to be set on his way and he’s done exceptionally well for Fulham,” Keown said.
“Nketiah has only just scored his first goals for Palace. I’m a great admirer, but is he the answer? They gave him a chance and he didn’t really take it.”
Keown’s fellow pundit Simon Jordan agreed.
“It’s always about what you haven’t got,” said the former Palace owner.
“Arsenal fans, if they’re being honest, would never suggest that Nketiah is the answer.
“He’s gone to Palace, hardly set the world alight. He’s a decent player but he’s not your answer.”