Keown: Arsenal Should Cheer City's Dramatic Liverpool Victory
In a weekend packed with Premier League drama, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has offered a fascinating perspective on the title race. Speaking on talkSPORT, Keown suggested that Arsenal supporters should actually welcome Manchester City's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. With the Gunners holding a six-point lead at the summit, this result keeps the pressure on and the competition fierce, according to the ex-England international.
The Thrilling Weekend Unfolds
The stage was set for an explosive round of matches. Arsenal kicked off the action with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from their in-form attackers showcased Mikel Arteta's side in ruthless form, extending their unbeaten run and solidifying their position as frontrunners. Fans were buzzing, dreaming of ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown since the Invincibles era of 2003/04.
Meanwhile, across the Pennines at Anfield, Liverpool hosted Manchester City in what promised to be a blockbuster clash. The Reds struck first through Dominik Szoboszlai's thunderous 74th-minute strike, sending the home crowd into ecstasy and threatening to propel Arsenal nine points clear. A Liverpool win would have shifted the narrative dramatically, painting the Gunners as unchallenged favorites.
But football's unpredictability shone through in the dying embers. Bernardo Silva equalized with a moment of brilliance, and Erling Haaland converted a crucial penalty to seal a 2-1 comeback for City. This gritty victory, under the lights of Anfield, kept Pep Guardiola's champions six points adrift but very much in the hunt with 13 games remaining.
Keown's Intriguing Theory Explained
Martin Keown, a stalwart of Arsenal's golden era with over 400 appearances for the club, didn't mince words on talkSPORT. "You think about the game before and you think: ‘Okay, if it goes to nine points, then we know the narrative will be that Arsenal are champions'. And I actually thought to myself, maybe it's better that City win this game, just to keep it real," he said.
Elaborating further, Keown highlighted the psychological edge. "If you're a prospective champion, this is the life that you have to lead. You expect the unexpected." He views the tighter six-point gap as healthier for Arsenal, avoiding the 'theirs to lose' tag that has haunted them in recent seasons—finishing runners-up three times under Arteta.
"Man City may look at this as a definitive moment for them in the title race and a win that has kept them alive, but it was always alive," Keown continued. "And actually, I think six points instead of nine is healthier because the narrative of Arsenal not being strong enough. If they go nine points clear, it’s theirs to lose again and we get all that propaganda to try and keep this story alive."
Keown's words resonate with Arsenal's recent history. Last season's collapse from a strong position taught valuable lessons, and maintaining focus amid competition could be key to finally clinching the title.
Arsenal's Position and Arteta's Mindset
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have transformed into title contenders. Their defense remains rock-solid, while the attack, led by stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, is firing on all cylinders. The Sunderland win was a statement, but Arteta remains grounded. Post-match, he dismissed the points cushion's significance: “Nothing, we still have to win so many games to achieve what we want. So, there’s no focus on that. We’ve done our job and what we had to do. Let’s try to improve and get ready for Brentford.”
Arteta's philosophy emphasizes consistency. "We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want, so let's not focus on that... We have to keep raising our level," he added. This measured approach aligns with Keown's theory—treating every match as a battle, regardless of the standings.
Manchester City's Resilience
For City, the Anfield result was a morale booster. Despite a patchy season by their standards, Guardiola's squad showed championship mettle. Haaland's penalty was clinical, and Silva's equalizer a testament to their depth. Now six points behind, City host Fulham midweek, aiming to close the gap further.
Liverpool, meanwhile, slip to third, their title aspirations dented but not destroyed. The Reds will regroup, but this loss underscores the fine margins in the race.
Looking Ahead: Fixtures and Implications
Arsenal face Brentford on Thursday in a London derby that could extend their lead to nine points if City falter. Brentford's high-pressing style will test the Gunners' resolve, but Arteta's preparations are meticulous.
Keown's theory adds intrigue: a closer race might sharpen Arsenal's edge, warding off complacency. As the season hits its stride in 2026, every point counts. Fans are left pondering—does this drama ultimately favor the red and white of north London?
With the Premier League's fiercest rivalry rekindled, the title chase promises more twists. Arsenal's dream of glory hangs in the balance, fueled by wisdom from legends like Keown.
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