Arsenal legend Martin Keown fears supporters may turn on team following Barcelona defeat

Arsene Wenger, Arsenal

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Martin Keown hopes Arsenal can redeem themselves in the upcoming FA Cup game against Manchester United.

The north London outfit came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, but lost 3-1 in the all-important reverse fixture on Tuesday night to be knocked out of the Champions League.

Now Keown believes that Arsene Wenger’s men need to beat United if they are to retain the respect of their supporters.

The 44-year-old told BBC Radio Five Live: “They’re hurting but they’ve got to look ahead now, it’s a very important game against Manchester United … what team will he Wenger pick?

“I feel he has to pick his strongest possible team because the fans may start to turn on the team a little bit.

“He has a five-year plan and this is the last year of it. They are now showing what they are capable of but if they don’t win anything now he’ll be buying players to add to the group.”

Concerning the Gunners’ difficult defeat to Barca, Keown added: “Barca were superb and you have to say they were on a different level.

“Tactically they are so hard to play against – but it was remarkable to see Arsenal dictated to in that fashion.

“They didn’t give a good account of themselves – there was only one team in it from start to finish.”