Roy Keane has admitted that Arsenal ‘didn’t deserve’ the criticism they were getting early on in the season, as he told The Overlap.
The iconic midfielder added ‘if Arsenal finish fifth or sixth’ in May, then all their good work, up until now, will just prove to be ‘another disappointment’.
Mikel Arteta’s side are leading the charge for that all-important fourth spot in the Premier League table, with Manchester United and Tottenham on their tails.
But a very crucial final few months remain for those at the Emirates Stadium, including having to play the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
All of that good work could be blown out of the water if they don’t come out on top during those matches, as Keane shared his thoughts.
“The next month is going to be vital for Arsenal,” said Keane.
“Their reflection at the end of the season, as much as they are getting praise now. The criticism early in the season, they probably didn’t deserve that.
“But if they finish fifth or sixth. There will still probably be a disappointment for Arsenal. That’s the reality. This is the big test for the team over the next two months. All the plaudits for the last months, this is crunch time for teams.
“If Arsenal finish sixth. I don’t think Arsenal fans will be going ‘it’s a great project we are behind it’. There will be an element of another disappointment. The next two months are huge.”
There is no doubt that Arsenal have made progress under Arteta, both in the style of play and recruitment.
Signings that were probably ridiculed before are now proving to be masterstrokes, none more so than Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale.
The duo were recalled to England’s recent squad, with Ramsdale having to pull out through injury and White starting both matches.
But this is it for Arsenal and you feel if they can get through these final few hurdles, then it would be of huge benefit for the club during the next few years.
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