Roy Keane believes Arsenal are ready for the challenge this season, and they don’t look likely to fade away from the title race.

So often a critic of Arsenal following all his battles with the team as a player, Roy Keane insists that he “never had any doubt” that Manchester City would end up Premier League champions in 2022/23.

But when it comes to this season, the former Manchester United man admits Arsenal are much better placed to compete.

“I look at Arsenal and physically compared to last year they look such a stronger team, so I don’t think they’ll fade,” Keane said after the weekend’s fixtures.

“They’ve added quality players and I look at Arsenal and their mindset, and they look ready for the challenge.”

As it stands, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table on goal difference, with the same points as Liverpool and just one more than Manchester City.

The Gunners’ recent goalscoring form has given them a boost, putting them a way clear of their rivals on goal difference and giving them the edge if the points end up level.

But with 10 games still to play, there’s a long way to go and a lot could still change.

“Honestly, I can’t call it,” Keane concluded on the title race. “I don’t know who to go with.”

Opta Analyst reported at the weekend that Manchester City were still their predicted favourites to win the league, with Arsenal as the outsiders of the three teams involved.

The Gunners arguably have the most difficult run of fixtures still to come, including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Brighton away from home, and Chelsea and Aston Villa at home.

City and Liverpool both have to play Spurs, Brighton, and Aston Villa as well, and Liverpool also have to play Manchester United away.

But on paper, you can see why Arsenal’s fixture list looks the most difficult.