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

Keane Vieira
Roy Keane of Manchester United clashes with Patrick Vieira of Arsenal during the FA Carling Premiership match against Arsenal played at Highbury in London, England. The match finished in a 2-1 win to Manchester United. Credit:Clive Brunskill /Allsport

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.”

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Players of Arsenal huddle together prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Players of Arsenal huddle together prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on March 04, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates his team's first goal, an own-goal scored by Sven Botman of Newcastle United (not pictured), during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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.