Martin Keown Claims Matteo Guendouzi Has Let Down Unai Emery Amid Hippy Crack Controversy

Following the revelation that members of the Arsenal first team squad were seen to be inhaling ‘hippy crack’ back in August, former Gunner Martin Keown has spoken out against one player in particular. 

Writing in the ​Daily Mail, the pundit voiced his opinion in no uncertain terms, stating that it was: "It was incredibly disappointing to see Arsenal players 'inhaling hippy crack'." Before suggesting that head coach Unai Emery may come down on youngster Matteo Guendouzi harder than anyone else. 

Keown started his piece (via the​ Daily Mail) by stating: "Such behaviour isn't acceptable from players who should be role models," before saying that he expects: "Unai Emery to tear into everyone involved but he may come down hardest on Matteo Guendouzi."

The former England international went on to explain himself: "It will disappoint Emery that one of his promising young stars appeared to pass out after inhaling the gas. This is a 19-year-old Frenchman who, at that time, was yet to kick a ball in English football.I know how difficult it can be for a young player breaking into the first team. 

"You want to show that you are one of the lads and this could well have been his first night out with his new team-mates. Guendouzi may have been egged on but Emery must feel he needs to keep a lid on this young man's behaviour. As for the senior players, they should definitely know better."

The 19-year-old Frenchman has settled well into life at ​Arsenal and has already made himself a firm fan favourite with a selection of fine performances. Recognising this, Keown was keen to point out that, despite the team's off-field antics, all of those caught up in this incident have been performing admirably in the league.

"The hunger and fitness shown by his team in recent weeks suggests this was an isolated incident. 

"You cannot question the performances of many of those involved, such as Guendouzi, ​Alexandre Lacazette and ​Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang," he wrote, before concluding that the team must retain their discipline on and off the field, and Emery would do well to remind them all of this:

"However it is certain Emery will feel let down and he is a manager who is not afraid to make big calls and leave out star names. It is up to Arsenal's players to earn his trust all over again.

Emery will leave them in no doubt that there will be severe consequences should this happen again.

"Ultimately, he must not let this derail all the good work he has done so far. Emery will find a way for the group to emerge from this even stronger."