Keane gives verdict on Arsenal’s title credentials - “Huge question marks!”

03 September 2023 , 13:41

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Keane gives verdict on Arsenal’s title credentials - “Huge question marks!”

Roy Keane still believes there are "question marks" over Arsenal's Premier League title hopes and expects them to come up short again.

The Gunners were best of the rest last term as they were chased down by eventual champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta has spent around £200m to bolster his squad with the north Londoners expected to be among those who can push City the most.

Last season they set themselves up for a shock title triumph, winning 16 of their first 19 games to establish a healthy lead at the top. However their late season form exposed their flaws as they won three of their final nine games and Keane still thinks they will miss out this season.

He was asked on Sky Sports if he was convinced by their credentials: "No, not really. Obviously they've strengthened the squad, they were brilliant last season, particularly at the start but we were here at the end when they ran out of steam physically and mentally. I still think they're short, only because Man City are so good, the rest of the teams are playing catch up.

" Arsenal are I suppose the best of the rest, but I still think that's their challenge this year. I don't think anyone can touch City if they keep that hunger up, especially the way they've started, but Arsenal are a very good team, but still question marks over them."

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Explaining his thought process, Keane referred to Arteta's claim that Arsenal played "43 formations" against Man City in the Community Shield, before using "36" against Fulham last weekend.

"We're talking about formation and tactics. I didn't know there was that many formations you could play," Keane said. "Sometimes you have to simplify things up because they do have good players. They had a lot of momentum last year, but they still came up short and I still think they're short this year."

Arsenal drew with Fulham last time out (Getty Images)

Arsenal dropped points for the first time as Fulham left the Emirates with a point and go into Sunday's clash with Manchester United trailing City by five points, although that could be cut to two with a win over their rivals.

The Gunners have not claimed the English top flight since their Invincible season in 2004 but last season's showing was their best effort since 2016, when they finished second to Leicester.

Arteta has already played down the prospect of Sunday's clash being used as a title indicator: "I think it’s too early in the season. We all want to win games, we all want to play the best possibly way. That’s not going to dictate but it gives you momentum and belief. Before the international break, it’s very important to finish well and win your game and go into September with another block of games on a high."

Samuel Meade