Roy Keane has claimed he doesn't see Arsenal 'stepping up' and getting over the line in 'certain games' as they bid to end their four-and-a-half year wait for major silverware.
The Gunners' Premier League title bid has taken a gigantic hit in recent weeks having failed to win any of their last three matches, subsequently falling 15 points behind leaders Liverpool. They exited the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester United and crashed out of the Carabao Cup in the semi-final against Newcastle.
Arsenal's last realistic hope of winning a trophy before the end of the season is the Champions League, with Mikel Arteta's side into the quarter-final following their 9-3 aggregate success over PSV. The Gunners are set to face holders Real Madrid, who beat Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, in the last eight next month.
Although the Premier League is still crucial for Arsenal as they try and at least wrap up a top-four place, the Champions League is set to be their priority. However, Keane doesn't see Arsenal stepping up and winning the "big" matches that are going to get them some silverware this season.
In a passionate assessment on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: "I look at some of the games this year where you're going 'come on Arsenal'. You are looking at evidence to suggest that the team could get over the line in certain games.
"United at home in the [FA] Cup this year was a big game for Arsenal; they couldn't get it done. Two legs against Newcastle; they couldn't score a goal. So, there is certain games you're looking at Arsenal and saying 'are they really going to step up'... I just don't see it."
Meanwhile, Ian Wright agreed with Keane and pinpointed the matches against Manchester United - the FA Cup penalty shootout defeat in January and Premier League draw on Sunday - as examples that Arsenal are not bringing their A-game when it matters most.
"In the current climate of what's going on I can't see us stepping up," Wright said. "If you want to play against a team at the moment at home who have a lack of confidence and have one player that can pull them out of danger, then you would want to play against United.
"We couldn't break them down. The mid block and the low block is a problem for us."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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