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Arsenal's draw against Liverpool has been used to question the Gunners' title credentials
Arsenal's title hopes came under fire from Manchester United legend Roy Keane, who expressed serious doubts about the Gunners' mentality following their 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates.
Keane questions Arsenal’s mentality after draw
The former Manchester United captain and seven-time Premier League champion questioned whether Arsenal have the mental resilience required to challenge a team like Manchester City for the title.
Reflecting on Bukayo Saka’s post-game interview, Keane voiced his concerns about the Gunners’ apparent tendency to sit back when ahead, instead of pressing for more.
"You’re watching them today, and they're 2-1 up. Whatever the circumstances or injuries, can you go and, not take silly gambles, but take the initiative?” Keane asked.
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Keane felt Arsenal’s performance showed a lack of confidence in their ability to close out games. "When they get themselves in front, they sit back instead of going after the third goal. Liverpool were there for the taking if they wanted it," he added.
Keane points out Arsenal’s weaknesses
The former Premier League midfielder also questioned Arsenal’s physical resilience, pointing to the injuries of Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior as evidence that they struggled to manage the physicality of big games.
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"Every time an Arsenal player is tackled, they’re going down, rolling around," Keane remarked as he urged the Gunners to “use the fans behind you” to see games through rather than retreat.
Keane countered former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott’s take that a draw wasn’t a bad result given Arsenal’s injuries, noting that title winners need to play for wins, not draws.
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"All the great managers are gamblers," he pointed out before adding, "I’m seeing with this Arsenal group there’s still that element of, ‘we’ll take the draw today.
“I just worry about that belief and conviction that they’re a top team and can really challenge Man City. I still don’t see it.”
Keane’s words may feel harsh, but for Arsenal, it’s a challenge to prove they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s elite when it counts.
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