Roy Keane has refused to change his stance on whether Arsenal or Manchester City will triumph in this season’s Premier League title race.
Having finished as runners up in each of the last two campaigns, Arsenal will be desperate to finally topple Manchester City from their perch this time around.
Mikel Arteta’s side have shown that they can go toe-to-toe with the reigning champions when the two sides meet.
The Gunners took four points off the Cityzens in the Premier League last season, and came within seconds of beating them again at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday despite having been down to ten men for more than half the match, before John Stones’ last gasp equaliser ensured the points were shared.
Arteta will believe that his side have what it takes to go all the way this season, and he is not alone in that conviction. Ally McCoist has backed Arsenal for the title this season.
However, Manchester United icon Roy Keane is not as convinced of their credentials.
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Roy Keane won’t back Arsenal for title despite Rodri injury
Manchester City sustained a real blow on Sunday as midfielder Rodri suffered an injury that is expected to keep him out of action for an extended period, as per the BBC.
The Spanish midfielder is a hugely important player to Pep Guardiola’s side, and his absence will be keenly felt in the North West.
However, Keane is still adamant that Manchester City have enough strength in depth to cope without Rodri and still win the title.
Keane tipped Manchester City to retain their crown earlier this season.
When asked on Stick to Football if he would now consider changing his prediction in light of Rodri’s injury, he said: “I’m still sticking with City. Listen, De Bruyne didn’t play, there’s players to come back back in but he’s [Rodri] a huge loss.”
Mikel Arteta must control Arsenal focus
Regardless of goings on at Manchester City, Arsenal must focus on themselves. All the Gunners can do to give themselves the best possible chance of winning the title is win their own matches.
With or without Rodri, Manchester City’s quality will demand that Arsenal win games on a remarkably consistent basis throughout the duration of the campaign.
That begins with the visit of Leicester City to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Wright and Gary Neville expect Arsenal to beat the newly-promoted side, but as the cliche goes, there are no easy games in the Premier League.
After impressive recent performances against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur away from home, Arsenal can’t afford a slip up on their own patch.
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