Bit Part Invincible Or Crucial Cog? Keown's Final Season

Martin Keown is one of the finest defenders to grace the Premier League. Nicknamed 'The Rash', due to his proficiency in man-marking, his two spells for The Arsenal amassed over 400 appearances. Beloved by fans for not only the accolades he earned, but the fiery embers of passion which were the fuel for his displays on the pitch, Keown is among the leading lights when it comes to Gunners players.

The honours Keown achieved were a leading cause for the affection he stands in amongst the Gooner faithful. Players can win over fans through their exertions on the pitch and the manner in which they carry themselves, but when a player holds aloft a gleaming trinket in front of masses of supporters, they reserve a spot in the higher echelons, separated from the rest by a lustre shared with the trophy itself.

In his final season, he dragged his battle-weary body through a tiring campaign in which Arsenal elevated their status to immortal. No team in the Premier League could match the sheer power and swagger of the Gunners as they went through the season unbeaten, thus earning the moniker 'The Invincibles'. This article isn't centred on the exploits of that glittering side, but instead how Martin Keown earned his title medal and place in the legend of that incredible feat.

Keown entered the fray in the dying stages of the last game of the season Vs Leicester City, with Arsenal winning 2-1 and mere minutes away from rewriting history. Keown himself has testified to completely badgering Arsene Wenger to sub him onto the pitch so he could earn his tenth appearance and therefore a title medal. Wenger eventually relented, and the roar of approval from the Highbury crowd was a surefire signal that this was a correct decision.

At the time, it could have been construed that this was entirely symbolic - the changing of the guard, the last of the most reliable sentries any Arsenal manager in recent years has been able to call upon. The allowance to enable Keown to earn his medal appeared to be like an old timer being gifted a commemorative carriage clock by the company hierarchy. A moment designed to show appreciation for the time this man has spent devoting himself to his work. It was also so Keown could say goodbye and thank the fans for the support they had shown him. There couldn't be a more fitting stage on which to part.

Was this simply a goodbye and a thank you from Arsenal? Was it ceremonial? Did we overlook the vital part Keown had to play in maintaining the unbeaten run?

Keown made ten appearances that season, in which four of the games were drawn. Seven of these appearances were as a substitute, arriving on the scene to shore up where necessary and lending his vital experience to the more raw players such as Toure and Cole. His nous in the baking heat of immense pressure cannot be understated. Performing to the highest standard when there is so much to lose is a talent that can be learned, but Martin Keown seemed to be invigorated by it. He converted the scrutiny, the criticism, the hordes of eyes that watched every move, and used it to boost himself to titanic proportions.

The experiences he had been through over the years enabled him to pass on an incredible amount of knowledge to the younger players of the squad, and his unparalleled competitiveness would have bred a fantastic atmosphere in which to train in. A drop of Keown in the water did wonders for the Invincible Men.

Keown was far more than a motivator and teacher in the 2003/04 season though. The lines he had in the Invincibles play may have been limited, but they resonated throughout the whole show.

By far the easiest to recall was his crazed antics in the 0-0 Vs Manchester United - enraging United fans, players and pundits alike but also allowing Gooners to remember what a ferocious player he still could be. It was his close marking style which allowed Diego Forlan the opportunity to flop onto the turf and give United a scarcely deserved penalty which hotshot marksman and part-time horse lookalike Ruud Van Nistelrooy stepped up to take.

This penalty would surely mean defeat if scored, with the referee's final whistle minutes away from being blown. Van Nistelrooy had inserted himself as Most Wanted by the Arsenal players, after his histrionics alerted the match official to Patrick Vieira's boot. No contact was made but the Dutchman's whinging meant our French captain and lynchpin was given his marching orders. This match was full of vitriol now and Keown's fuel gauge was firmly on the F.

Cue Van Nistelrooy/Shergar planting the ball against the bar and a release of energy so powerful, it could've moved mountains. When the match ended shortly after, Arsenal's players, and in particular, Keown of course, made a beeline for the Dutch thespian. It was Keown's leap with arms outstretched, like a triumphant silverback, which will live long in the memory, but his display, taking into consideration a lack of match sharpness, was fantastic. Keeping at bay what was a fearsome and potent attacking force cannot be underestimated.

Lesser known surrounding Martin Keown's impact on the greatest season the Gunners have ever had, was at half time during the 4-2 win over Liverpool. After forty five minutes, Arsenal were 2-1 down, on the back of being dumped out of the F.A Cup and Champions League when a probable treble seemed very much on the cards. Heads dropped, hearts were heavy. Winning is a habit which is hard to drop it seemed, and the withdrawal symptoms were plaguing Arsenal.

Martin Keown has stated that he was a solemn type in the dressing room. He simply let the pressures and tension seep into his system and used them as positive reinforcement as soon as he crossed the white line. On the pitch he was an animal, off the pitch, he was almost studious and withdrawn. He took it upon himself though, to ask Arsene Wenger if he could speak to the boys. Wenger gave him his support and Keown reminded his teammates, his brothers in arms, what stood before them. That with one goal, this miasma could be dissipated. His exact words may be lost, but they obviously had a profound effect. After four minutes, Arsenal were level and the rest is now plated in a mixture of gold with a rose tint.

From his ten final and momentous appearances clad in the Arsenal jersey, nine of them were decided by a single goal or were drawn. Ninety percent of the time he spent on the pitch was fraught and tense. Who better to play than a veteran who bears scars from previous battles and still stands in front of you?

Younger players could learn from him. The older players could be inspired. Either way, on or off the pitch, Martin Keown earned every gram of that title medal. His efforts highlight what an indispensable role players such as Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Flamini can play in the coming months.

They may not grab the plaudits, but these men have earned their stripes. In Keown though, we had a highly decorated man who bowed out in spectacular style.

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