Roy Keane labels Liverpool ‘bad champions’ and issues Arsenal warning
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has heavily criticised Liverpool’s faltering Premier League title defence, branding Arne Slot’s side “bad champions” after falling 21 points behind leaders Arsenal.
The Merseyside club cruised to domestic glory last season but have struggled to maintain their dominance during the current campaign.
Hopes of retaining their hard-won crown were effectively extinguished following a disappointing weekend draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Missing the required standard
The outspoken pundit, who secured seven league titles during his time at Old Trafford, was scathing in his assessment of the Anfield outfit.
“Considering they were league champions last year and I have said it before, Liverpool are bad champions,” Keane told Sky Sports.
“They’ve been bad champions, they were bad champions a few years ago.”
That latest result leaves the reigning titleholders with a massive deficit to make up in their remaining eight fixtures.
Chemistry and consistency questioned
“To be 21 points behind Arsenal, what a drop off that is,” Keane added.
The former midfielder suggested that deeper issues are currently plaguing the club’s dressing room.
“I think there is stuff going on, I don’t think they are on the same page, there doesn’t seem to be the same chemistry with the players.”
A stark warning for the leaders
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal currently sit in pole position to claim their first top-flight crown in over two decades.
The North Londoners require just 16 points from their final seven matches after closest rivals Manchester City dropped points against West Ham.
However, the Irish football legend cautioned the prospective champions against resting on their laurels next year.
“When I see these teams winning trophies and then disappear for ten to 15 years,” Keane noted.
“You do not want Arsenal to disappear for the next three, four, five years.
“You’ve got to back it up, don’t be 20, 30 points behind the top team next year, you have got to compete, that is your challenge.”
