Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes Arsenal ‘look ready for the challenge’ in this season’s intriguing title race, with Mikel Arteta’s side holding onto top spot thanks to Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Arsenal had looked set to drop points against Thomas Frank’s spirited Brentford after Yoane Wissa cancelled out Declan Rice’s early header at the Emirates on Saturday evening.
But Kai Havertz nodded home Ben White’s cross in the 86th minute to secure a dramatic victory for the Gunners, the side’s eighth in as many games, putting Arteta’s men top of the Premier League table after 28 matches.
Both Liverpool and City had the opportunity to leapfrog Arsenal in Sunday’s heavyweight clash but the points were shared after Alexis Mac Allister scored from the penalty spot in response to John Stones’ opener at Anfield.
The result means second-placed Liverpool now trail Arsenal on goal difference, while City – last year’s treble winners – sit one point adrift of their title rivals down in third place.
‘Honestly, I can’t call it. Last year I never had any doubt that City would eventually win it,’ ex-United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane said in the Sky Sports’ studio after the draw on Merseyside.
‘I’m now doubting them a little bit. I’m not betting against them but Liverpool today… their performance, they’re creating chances, scoring goals.
‘And you look at Arsenal now, physically, compared to last year, Arsenal look a much stronger team so I don’t think they will fade on that side of it.
‘Of course they will [have learned from last season]. The recruitment, the players they’ve brought in, they’ve added strength to them and added quality and it’s just the physical side of it.
‘I look at Arsenal, their mindset, and they look ready for the challenge so I don’t know who to go with this year.’
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, said the reigning champions will be considered ‘strong favourites’ to lift the Premier League trophy should they go on to beat the north London club later this month.
‘I think if City beat Arsenal then they will be really strong favourites. I do think that,’ Carragher said.
‘I think if Arsenal go there and get something then we’re having the same conversation.
‘I do feel like Arsenal and Liverpool would need a three or four-point gap going into the last five or six games of the season if they wanted to topple City.’
