Roy Keane has now named the three Premier League clubs that Arsenal will ‘have to worry’ about in the title race away from the defending champions, Manchester City.
The Gunners are bidding to win their first top-flight title in 20 years this season. Arsenal still have not won the Premier League since Arsene Wenger oversaw their Invincibles campaign in 2003/04. But Mikel Arteta has them dreaming after challenging for the crown last season.
Arsenal shot up from hoping to qualify for the Champions League to being the nearest rival for Manchester City. The north London giants even spent 248 days atop the table. But their pursuit of the trophy fell short after a late collapse with three wins in their final nine games.
Arsenal are one of Manchester City’s Premier League title rivals
Just a point currently splits Manchester City at the top of the 2023/24 Premier League table with Arsenal in third. The Gunners have started slower this season having struggled to reach their top gear. But Arteta has overseen consistent results, including a win over the Citizens.
Arsenal beat Manchester City for the first time in the Premier League since December 2015 this October. Gabriel Martinelli secured the Gunners a 1-0 win at Emirates Stadium with his 86th-minute deflected effort. It is one of eight wins Arsenal have claimed through 12 games.
A controversial goal by Anthony Gordon saw Newcastle United later hand Arsenal their first and only defeat this term. His strike is further just one of 10 goals the Gunners have allowed in the top-flight so far. No side has yet conceded fewer goals than Arsenal so far this season.
Keane names the three Premier League teams to ‘worry about’
Only Liverpool have also allowed just 10 goals through their 12 games as Jurgen Klopp’s side also sit in second. The Reds edge Arsenal as Manchester City’s nearest threat at the current international break having scored once more than Arsenal, with otherwise identical records.
Keane believes Liverpool are now one of the sides that Arsenal and Manchester United may have to fear this season. The Red Devils icon further cites Newcastle and Aston Villa as likely threats for the top spots. Unai Emery’s Villans are just two points behind the Gunners so far.
“We always talk about trying to close the gap to Man City,” he told The Overlap. “But I think the challenge for some of these teams including United is what’s going on around them.
“Liverpool are improving, Newcastle, Villa. That’s the challenge I think Arsenal and United have to worry about.”
Arsenal still have to play Liverpool and Aston Villa at home and away in the Premier League this season. The Gunners travel to Villa Park and Anfield in December, while the Reds travel to Emirates Stadium in February and the Villans will later travel down to the capital in April.
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