31 March 2024 , 18:35
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Roy Keane predicted Arsenal would fail to beat Manchester City in Sunday's crunch title decider prior to the two sides playing out a dour 0-0 draw.
The Gunners headed into Easter top of the Premier League ahead of Liverpool and City, albeit only a point ahead of the reigning champions. It's Liverpool, though, who head into the next match day at the top of the pile after they beat Brighton and their two title rivals were forced to settle for a point apiece at the Etihad.
Keane, analysing the match for Sky Sports, had a different opinion to Theo Walcott pre-match when he said he didn't believe Arsenal would win at the Etihad - but the former Manchester United captain was proven right later in the afternoon.
The Irishman said: “I am not on the fence. I don’t see Arsenal winning here today, I don’t. I just can’t see it. I probably lack that belief that Arsenal can come and win here. It’s as simple as that.
“We reflect on what happened last season but they are a stronger squad now. They are a better squad, physically more able to deal with the challenges ahead. But there is still that doubt with Arsenal, I suppose that mental side of it, can they come here and perform and can they beat Man City? The answer for me is still no, but it doesn’t mean to say they are not capable of doing it, it is just do they have that belief they can come and beat City? City here, I’d never bet against them.”
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Walcott, however, took a different view and argued that Arsenal's form this season was an indicator that they could beat the champions in their own backyard. He highlighted the difference between this year's team and the one from last season to drive home his point.
The former Gunners striker said: “I am not someone who really looks at the stats side of things. I think Mikel, as well as a team, wouldn’t really look at that. I just think they look at the strengths they have actually performed at this season, particularly in the Champions League as well, they have that distraction which is very different to last year.
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Manchester City and Arsenal couldn't be separated at the Etihad (Michael Regan/Getty Images)“But I do believe that they can get something positive today, I really do. I think they will be able to…especially set-pieces. I know City are really strong at set-pieces not really conceding too many. But that is where Arsenal are very strong.”
Keane went on to add after the match that Liverpool are the big winners of the day after going two points clear at the summit. He said: “Liverpool are the real winners of today, obviously winning and watching these two teams draw. Liverpool will be delighted.”
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