Roy Keane points to big concern that could cost Arsenal the title

Arsenal missed the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table after playing out a goalless draw with Liverpool.

The result keeps the Gunners six points clear, but former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes there are reasons for concern.

Arsenal came into the match with confidence, knowing a win would extend their advantage to eight points.

However, they struggled to take control of the contest and were often second best in key areas of the pitch.

Keane questions Arsenal mindset at key moment

Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s display and felt their approach changed during the match.

He said: “Arsenal got a bit tentative. All that talk before the game. The longer the game went from Arsenal’s point of view, they probably thought, we’ll take the draw.”

Keane suggested that Arsenal lacked bravery when the game demanded a stronger response from the league leaders.

He felt the home side did not show enough urgency to force the issue, especially in the second half. The former midfielder pointed to a sense of caution creeping into Arsenal’s play as the minutes ticked by.

That hesitation, in his view, allowed Liverpool to grow in confidence and control large parts of the contest.

Keane did stress that the result alone was not damaging, but the performance raised questions moving forward.

He added: “It’s not the end of the world for them. The worry for them is that Liverpool dominated the game so much. It’s the way Arsenal didn’t take the initiative.

“There was a bit of tension in the stadium. That’ll get worse in the latter part of the season, so that will be a worry. Credit goes to Liverpool in terms of the way they dominated possession.”

Liverpool control game as Arsenal miss chance

Keane also praised Liverpool for the way they managed the match and handled the Emirates atmosphere.

He felt they played with authority and removed any momentum Arsenal tried to build during the evening.

He said on Liverpool: “Liverpool took the energy out of the stadium perfectly well. Liverpool showed a bit of fight and swagger that they are champions but just lacked that cutting edge.”

While Liverpool failed to score, their control and intensity stood out against the league leaders.

Arsenal, on the other hand, will be disappointed not to take advantage of a strong position in the table.

The draw means they remain six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top, but the chance to push further ahead slipped away.

With the season entering a demanding stage, performances like this may increase pressure inside the stadium.

Arsenal now turn their attention to domestic cup action as they prepare for their next assignment.

They will face Portsmouth on the road in the third round of the FA Cup, looking to respond with a more positive display.

The post Roy Keane points to big concern that could cost Arsenal the title first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.