The seven times Premier League winner believes Arsenal failed to ‘punch back’
Roy Keane has shared his verdict on Arsenal’s title hopes after their 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Emirates last Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli rescued a point with a stoppage-time equaliser. The result came a day after reigning champions Liverpool made it five wins from five with a 2-1 victory over Everton in the season’s first Merseyside derby – an ideal start to their title defence.
Liverpool lay down a marker
“Arsenal on Saturday would’ve been seeing Liverpool,” Keane said. “It’s like heavyweight boxers throwing a big punch: we’ve won 2–1—now what are you going to do?
“City at home. City a few weeks ago gave up a late winner at Brighton. There’s a little bit of softness to them. They’re not back to their very best.
“So this was Arsenal’s chance to say: Liverpool will be sitting at home on the Sunday, all the players and managers watching, thinking let’s see how these react to it. And they’re getting a draw and they’re almost relieved. You’d be sitting at home going, ‘They’ve not punched us back.’
“Liverpool would be looking at Arsenal going, is that it? Is that what you’re coming back with?”
Mentality Under the Microscope
Arsenal have now finished runners-up three seasons in a row. Keane openly questioned the mentality of both the team and manager Mikel Arteta as they chase an elusive Premier League crown.
“What’s the evidence over the last few years why we’ve gone with Arsenal? Because they’ve come up short a number of times.
“His challenge isn’t Man City, his challenge is Liverpool. So you’re looking at Liverpool.”
With £446.5 million spent on signings such as Isak, Wirtz, Ekitike and Frimpong, Liverpool will take some stopping. Another season without silverware could spell trouble for Arteta.
