Towering Toure beginning to fulfil potential: Keown

MARTIN KEOWN is adamant Arsenal have sent out a clear message to the rest of Europe that defence is not their weakest link as he praised the impact of emerging centre-back Kolo Toure.

Even though England centre-back Sol Campbell and defensive shield Patrick Vieira were missing at Lokomotiv Moscow, Arsenal still produced a resilient defensive display to ensure a clean sheet.

Arsenal spurned the chance to sign a top-class defender this summer, just when they needed to improve their strength in depth they were pulled apart with rather alarming ease by Inter Milan in their opening group game and also conceded two goals to Newcastle last Friday night.