Roy Keane Calls Out Richards For Baffling Arsenal Claim After City Loss

Manchester City have blown the Premier League title race wide open with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal this evening, setting up a grandstand finish to the last few weeks of the campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s side came into this game knowing that a victory was likely needed in order to have a chance of overtaking Arsenal this season. They went on earn a full deserved victory at the Etihad.

City would take the lead via Rayan Cherki in the first half, although that goal was quickly cancelled out after a disastrous error from Gianluigi Donnarumma just moments later.

“WOAHHHHH!!” 🤯

Kai Havertz pulls Arsenal level in chaotic fashion! pic.twitter.com/A4ZjjDF921

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026

After the sides went in level at halftime, Arsenal would come close to taking the lead on a couple of occasions in the second half.

However, a massive goal from Erling Haaland would ultimately prove to be the difference between the sides.

“Manchester City in charge, again!”

Erling Haaland powers through to find the back of the net 💪 pic.twitter.com/tt04wbQnaz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026

This result moves Manchester City within three points of Arsenal, having played a game less.

Roy Keane Highlights Issue With Arsenal Stars

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Arsenal have been involved in a number of title races in recent seasons, none of which have resulted in success. There will be fears that the current campaign could end in a similar manner despite the strong position they found themselves in just a few weeks ago.

Questions have been asked about the mentality of this current group of Arsenal players, something that will continue until they eventually get over the line and win the biggest prizes.

Speaking after the game, Gunners captain Martin Odegaard suggested that his side had performed well in the game despite the defeat.

Martin Odegaard expresses his disappointment after Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City 👇 pic.twitter.com/2Xvj1f6NFZ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026

That interview sparked an interesting reaction from Roy Keane on Sky Sports. The Cork man would suggest that Odegaard’s comments showed what he feels is a big issue with this current crop of Arsenal stars.

“They have to be self-critical”

Roy Keane says Arsenal need to look within themselves after their loss to City 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/vrEDDM8Ma8

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026

I think you have to critical of yourselves as Arsenal players. You’ve got to be careful.

Odegaard has given interviews a few times and there again saying ‘we played really well’. They’ve lost the game.

Earlier in the season they weren’t conceding many goals or given up many chances. It was two goals today, two goals last week, two goals in the cup at Southampton.

They have to be critical of themselves. I’ve questioned this group of players about that mentality, getting a grip of each other.

I want someone after the game to be critical. When they analyse the winning goal, they were all over the place.

An interesting perspective.

This topic was discussed once again later in the broadcast, with Micah Richards making the case that Arsenal had plenty of positives to take away from this game.

Roy Keane couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Do you want the plaudits or the points!?”
“They’re not mugs!”

Roy Keane and Micah Richard’s clash over Arsenal’s performance 👀 pic.twitter.com/wyY30Xa9b7

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026

Manchester will have the opportunity to move to the top of the table Wednesday evening when they take on Burnley, where a victory would move them above Arsenal on goal difference (or goals scored if they win by a single goal).

Should they reach the summit, you get the sense that they will not give up that position easily.

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