Facebook Twitter Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
A 1-1 stalemate at Old Trafford leaves Arsenal’s Premier League hopes in tatters, as Roy Keane questions their mentality and Arteta’s frustration boils over
Arsenal’s aspirations of clinching the Premier League title this season suffered a severe blow after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. The result puts Liverpool in pole position to secure the championship as the Gunners’ inconsistency and injury woes continue to hamper their campaign.
United took the lead through Bruno Fernandes’ expertly delivered free kick, and despite Arsenal’s equalizer from Declan Rice’s powerful strike, they struggled to dominate. In fact, United could have snatched a late victory, further compounding Arsenal’s frustration.
With their league hopes fading fast, Arsenal’s primary opportunity for silverware now lies in the Champions League. They hold a commanding 7-1 aggregate lead over PSV Eindhoven as they prepare for the second leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.
In the wake of Arsenal’s latest setback, here are some of the key reactions and talking points from the football world.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, known for his blunt analysis, turned his critical eye on Arsenal following the stalemate. While he often directs criticism at United, this time he was unimpressed with Mikel Arteta’s side, dismissing their midweek 7-1 rout of PSV as irrelevant when compared to their lackluster display at Old Trafford.
Keane expressed disappointment in Arsenal’s lack of confidence and urgency, suggesting they failed to capitalize on United’s vulnerabilities. He noted that United, who have struggled all season, were “there for the taking,” yet Arsenal failed to impose themselves on the match.
“They scored seven during the week, but they didn’t look like they had any swagger about them today,” Keane remarked.
Criticizing Arsenal’s mentality, he continued, “They had spells of possession, but if anything, it felt like United were the ones who could win it. And United have been dreadful all season. Arsenal should have smelled blood. United were sitting back, hoping for counterattacks, but Arsenal lacked the streetwise edge to break them down.”
Keane went on to warn Arsenal about the chasing pack rather than focusing solely on Liverpool’s title charge. “Forget Liverpool. Worry more about the teams coming up behind you,” he cautioned.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was visibly frustrated following the draw, particularly when questioned about the team’s dwindling title chances and their lack of striker reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Since both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been ruled out for the season, Arsenal have been left without a natural No. 9. This situation has intensified scrutiny on the club’s failure to recruit a new forward during the winter window.
During his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Arteta appeared tense from the outset. When reporter Patrick Davison asked if Arsenal’s injury crisis excused their inability to beat a struggling United side, Arteta defended his players but acknowledged the team must improve.
“I will defend my players all the time because their will to win is unquestionable. But in those moments, we have to be better as a team. That’s it,” he stated.
However, when pressed on whether he regretted not signing a new striker in January, Arteta’s irritation was evident. “No, no. It’s not about that,” he snapped before attempting to leave the interview.
Davison, persistent in his questioning, called after Arteta, asking if Arsenal’s 15-point gap to Liverpool meant the title race was effectively over. Arteta chose not to respond, brushing past the journalist and abruptly ending the interview.
With Arsenal’s league title chances all but extinguished, their focus must now shift to European success. They will travel to the Netherlands this week, knowing they have a comfortable cushion against PSV in the Champions League last-16 second leg.
However, Arteta must rally his squad quickly if they are to challenge for silverware on the European stage. With injuries mounting and their domestic form faltering, Arsenal need to rediscover their fighting spirit before the season slips away completely.
As Liverpool edge closer to securing the title, Arsenal will have to regroup and refocus. The draw against United exposed key flaws—both in mentality and squad depth—that must be addressed if they are to compete at the highest level.
For now, the Premier League trophy appears out of reach. But with a strong Champions League campaign, Arteta and his squad could still salvage their season and prove their resilience on the biggest stage.