Martin Keown has now admitted that he thinks Manchester City are going into Sunday’s clash against Arsenal weaker than last season – because of three players.
The 57-year-old made the comment when speaking on talkSPORT.
So, what did Martin Keown say about Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the man from Oxford claimed that Arsenal should now be encouraged to go up against the likes of Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic and Julian Alvarez in comparison to Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne.
Keown said: “I think it’s about the calibre of player that you’re up against. I think we have to underline the fact that there are people missing. So, if we’re going to say that Alvarez, Nunes and Kovacic are playing in that midfield, that was De Bruyne, Gundogan and Rodri last year.”
The talkSPORT pundit makes an interesting point.
Of course, any side would suffer without the quality of De Bruyne, Rodri and Gundogan, although we feel it’s harsh from Keown to downplay the talents of Alvarez, Nunes and Kovacic.
Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team are not stupid, so if the Spaniard thinks these three players are capable of keeping his side performing to a high standard, who can say otherwise?
Do not underestimate Manchester City
The majority of the 2022/23 campaign saw Arsenal basking in the spotlight – until Manchester City rained on their parade in the final weeks.
Regardless of who Guardiola chooses to start on Sunday, we are confident they will hurt the Gunners.
After all, Keown’s point can be flipped.
Arsenal look set to be without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli when Mikel Arteta welcomes Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, both of whom are irreplaceable for the north Londoners.
Therefore, Manchester City will also be sensing a huge opportunity to capitalise.
