Roy Keane firmly believes that Arsenal’s Premier League aspirations will take a significant hit if they lose to title contenders Manchester City.
Currently, the Gunners share the top spot with Liverpool and are just one point ahead of Man City with ten games remaining in the 2023-24 campaign.
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A victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday would put Arsenal four points clear of the defending champions, but a home win for Pep Guardiola’s side would see them leapfrog the Gunners in pursuit of their fourth consecutive league title.
Despite Arsenal’s impressive form – having won 20 out of their 28 league games this season – Keane remains skeptical about their chances at the Etihad.
Manchester City, with their eyes set on back-to-back trebles, pose a formidable challenge for Mikel Arteta’s team.
‘This is big boy stuff now,’ the former Manchester United skipper said on The Overlap. ‘Arsenal are not winning there. Arsenal are not winning at Man City.
‘I’m going 2-1 City. Arsenal aren’t winning there. You’re all getting kidded, I’m telling you.’
Keane shared his prediction for the Premier League title showdown alongside Arsenal legend Ian Wright. Interestingly, Wright is significantly more optimistic about his former club’s chances.
‘We’re going to beat them,’ Wright said. ‘You know why I’m saying that? Because we have to beat them.
‘Why should I not think we can win when we’ve got a great defensive record and we’re scoring goals? Why should I now go negative on our chances?
‘I think Arsenal will win. We have to beat them, we have to go for it.’
Asked if he wants Arsenal to win to dent Man City’s hopes, Jamie Carragher said: ‘Yes, but I think even if Man City lose that game on Sunday, they can still win the league. They can still win the league if they lose.
‘I think if Arsenal get beat, I don’t see how they win the league. For Liverpool, surely you want City to lose but I actually think they could still win the league after that.
‘I don’t see Arsenal winning the league if they get beat. From Liverpool’s point of view then you’re only fighting against one team for the title.
‘I know points-wise it won’t make much of a difference but I just think psychologically it would really affect Arsenal if City jump above them, especially as you’d expect Liverpool to beat Brighton at home and then they’re above Arsenal too.
‘I think it would be tough for Arsenal to come back from that.’
