Roy Keane has praised Arsenal’s season, saying the team deserves credit for their results even if their style of play is not always as attractive as Manchester City’s.
Speaking on The Overlap, the former Manchester United captain compared both teams and insisted that Arsenal should be judged fairly for their consistency and defensive strength.
“In my opinion, Arsenal are not as nice on the eye to watch like Manchester City, but they have to do it their way,” Keane said. “Look at the amount of wins they got, look at the goals conceded, there has to be a thumbs up for that.”
Arsenal have been one of the most consistent teams in Europe this season under Mikel Arteta. In the UEFA Champions League, they have built a strong defensive record, with 488 ball recoveries, conceding very few goals and keeping multiple clean sheets, going undefeated throughout their campaign. Their organisation at the back has been one of the standout features of their run.
At the same time, Arsenal have remained effective in attack, scoring regularly across both the group and knockout stages. So far, the team has scored 29 goals in their campaign this season. Their balance between defence and attack has helped them compete strongly against Europe’s top clubs.
Keane also highlights that Arsenal is not far behind Manchester City in attacking numbers, noting that the difference in goals scored between the two sides is small despite their different playing styles.
Arsenal’s progress in the Champions League has been seen as a sign of their growth under Arteta. The team has developed a reputation for discipline, structure, and control, even in high-pressure matches.
