Roy Keane Slams & Calls Arsenal ‘Small Team and Small Mentality’

Arsenal nearly got away with a crucial victory at the Etihad, after leading 2-1, however a late-minute goal from John Stones stunned the Gunners. Helping Man City to secure a draw. After the game, Mikel Arteta received a lot of criticism for their strategy and alleged anti-football tactics. A typical criticism came from United Legend Roy Keane who slams the Gunners for creating a style of football that is unpalatable for teams. However, some have also praised Mikel Arteta, as it’s seen that results only matter when winning the league.

Roy Keane Slams Arsenal

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The Former Manchester United star was unhappy with the Arsenal played on Sunday which nearly gave them the win.

Mikel Arteta’s side had gone a goal down very early, however a beautiful goal from Calafiori gave them the equalizer. Aftermath the Gunners maintained a defensive structure to prevent City from Penetration. Soon Gabriel gave them the lead after a corner for the Gunners. But the lead was succeeded by a red card on Leandro Trossard. Going into the 2nd half with a man down Mikel Arteta’s side resulted in them sitting back in their box and a half, while they tried to soak up pressure. Alongside this was also a lengthy time-wasting and momentum-killing strategy, that allowed the Gunners to hinder City’s rhythm.

Roy Keane mentioned if the pattern of the game was done by some mid-table team pundits would condemn it, but if it’s Arsenal it’s laudable.

Roy Keane’s Statement

The Former Manchester United star spoke about the Arsenal display and called it a small team mentality.

He said: “They were just booting it, like a small team with a small mentality, Go back three or four weeks, Arsenal did the same thing against Brighton with 10 or 15 minutes to go – the goalkeeper went down against Brighton at home. This idea that they’ve gone to the great Man City, their mindset against Brighton at home was the same – that’s my argument. I’m saying when you’ve got it, still look after it. When you do get it, try and get four or five passes together. They were time-wasting against Brighton at home, so forget this idea it was Man City.”

Ian Wright Defends Arteta

Ian Wright an ex-Arsenal player feels the coach was justified in his decision, especially with the injuries plaguing the team. The Englishman felt that Arteta had no choice, especially when the team was without Martin Odegaard. Also, their new signing Merino is yet to be back. He believed it was better they sat back.

Ian Wright said: “I’m not going to lie and say I’ve seen that happen before where you don’t even have an outlet because you need to give the defenders a breather at some point. They were without Martin Odegaard to pass it out to somebody to get the foul, waste time, or go down. I’m not going to criticize them, especially at Man City, with 10 men, trying to win a game.”

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Article originally written by Ifeoluwa King