Roy Keane has claimed Mikel Arteta will “have to change” one thing if Arsenal are to win the Premier League title, following the 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Arteta criticised after Man City draw
Arteta has faced widespread criticism for having a defensive mindset in the early stages of the season, with the manager opting to start Mikel Merino in the 1-0 defeat against Liverpool, rather than a more creative player.
Merino was once again given the nod against Man City on Sunday, before being replaced at half-time, with Arteta choosing to bring on Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze at half-time, which was perhaps an admission he got his starting XI wrong.
The Gunners put in a much-improved performance in the second half, having eight shots on goal and dominating possession, and they got their reward, with Gabriel Martinelli firing home a late equaliser to ensure the spoils were shared.
While Arteta will be pleased his side didn’t go home empty-handed, the manager is likely to be disappointed they couldn’t take more from the game, given that they are now five points behind Liverpool at such an early stage of the campaign.
Speaking after the game, Keane criticised Arsenal for what he perceives to be a lack of belief that they can take on the top teams, saying: “They have to change that mindset, where, again particularly at the start of the game today, ‘let’s go at them’. As if they were waiting for something to happen.
“They’ve got the quality, they’ve got the strength in depth. What are they waiting for? Have they got that belief? I said that before the match, do Arsenal have the belief they can go and take City on?”
Arsenal must beat title rivals if they're to win the Premier League
The Gunners have rightfully faced criticism for being too willing to accept a point in big matches in the past, with fans celebrating a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium during the 2023-24 season.
City went on to win the Premier League title by just two points, underlining just how important it is for teams to beat their direct rivals if they have serious title ambitions, and it was the same old problem for the Gunners on Saturday.
Man City have shown vulnerability at the start of the season, suffering defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion, which suggests they could’ve been there for the taking on Sunday if Arteta had more of an attacking mindset.
However, the Gunners struggled to create many good opportunities throughout the match, with Gary Neville adding: “I like them, and they’re a good side. I like watching them play, but they’ve got to take the handbrake off.”
In fairness, it has been a tough start to the campaign for Arsenal, taking on both Liverpool and Man City, and their next match is also likely to pose a major challenge, travelling to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle United next Sunday.