My dad’s an Arsenal Invincible and England icon – I’m making my own way in football after playing career was cut short
WHEN Martin Keown waved goodbye to Arsenal after their Invincible season, his son Niall joined him on the pitch.
The 58-year-old played ten games as the Gunners went unbeaten to clinch the title in 2004.
Keown left Arsenal after an 11-year spell at Highbury that summer and said farewell to fans alongside his two kids Niall and Callum.
His youngest son Niall went on to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a tough tackling centre-back.
The 29-year-old came through the ranks at Reading, where his dad ended his playing career in 2005.
Niall played twice for them before going on loan to then Scottish Premiership side Partick Thistle.
The temporary stay was turned permanent in the summer of 2017.
In total, Keown Jr featured 65 times for the club across three seasons before heading to St Johnstone on loan.
And while north of the border, he represented the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s instead of England as he was eligible through his grandmother.
But after a positive start to his career, a knee injury forced him into retirement in 2020.
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Niall has since admitted he felt there was extra “pressure” put on him as a youngster due to his father’s reputation.
While his dad now works as a pundit for TNT Sports, Niall is busy at Oxford United.
He is involved in the youth setup, working as a coach with the Championship club’s Under-16s.
Arsenal ratings vs Preston
ARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.
The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.
Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.
Tommy Setford – 6
A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-time
William Saliba – 7
Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.
Jakub Kiwior – 8
Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.
Jorginho – 7
Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.
Mikel Merino – 7
A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.
The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.
Raheem Sterling – 7
The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.
Subs
Thomas Partey – 6
Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.
Kai Havertz – 8
Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.
Bukayo Saka – 6
More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.