Former Arsenal centre-back Martin Keown believes Joe Willock’s goal for Arsenal in their Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt this evening could be a “breakthrough moment” for the young midfielder.
The 20-year-old, who signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners earlier this month, fired Arsenal into the lead after 38 minutes when his deflected right-footed effort got the better of Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.
The goal was Willock’s first of the campaign and his first since bagging a brace against Blackpool in the FA Cup back in January.
Though goals are not considered to be a key part of Willock’s game, the chances are that the youngster will take a great amount of confidence from having opened his account for the campaign.
With him now off the mark, Keown, who like Willock rose through the Arsenal academy, believes that this goal could be a “breakthrough moment” for the midfield man.
Keown told BT Sport: “This is the exuberance of young players and I think this could be a breakthrough moment for Willock, because he's been a bit rushed and lacks a bit of composure.
"But I love his energy and he gets his reward and puts Arsenal in front."
So far this season, including tonight’s clash with Frankfurt, Willock has made five appearances for the Gunners.
