Roy Keane still believes Liverpool won’t win the Premier League | OneFootball

Roy Keane tips Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in title race

Liverpool’s defence of their Premier League crown has already sparked heated debate, with Roy Keane once again placing Arsenal as his pick for the title despite admitting he was tempted to side with the champions.

Keane’s verdict on Liverpool

Speaking on The Overlap, Keane said: “I’d like to go with Liverpool now, but I still think if Liverpool get one or two injured centre halves there could still be a dip for Liverpool, no doubt about it.”

The former Manchester United captain revealed that he and Gary Neville had both backed Arsenal before the campaign began. Their reasoning centred on Mikel Arteta’s summer reinforcements, with players such as Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi expected to add quality to an already well-drilled squad.

Even so, Keane cast doubt on Arteta’s mindset when it comes to the highest pressure moments, hinting that the Arsenal manager still has to prove he can inspire the belief required to finish the job. Jamie Carragher added another layer to the discussion, stressing that Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces could undermine their push, remarking that they will only have “half a chance” if they continue to depend so heavily on dead ball situations.

Liverpool’s depth under scrutiny

Keane’s comments have put renewed focus on Liverpool’s defensive resources. The long-term injury to Giovanni Leoni has left Arne Slot short of options at centre-half. While Virgil van Dijk remains a cornerstone and Ibrahima Konaté provides power and composure, beyond them the safety net looks thinner than rivals would expect of reigning champions.

Yet it is telling that Keane admitted he wanted to back Liverpool regardless. The club’s start to the season has been strong, continuing the momentum from their Premier League triumph in Slot’s first year at Anfield. That alone explains why so many pundits find it hard to dismiss their chances.

New arrivals show Liverpool’s ambition

Liverpool have not been shy in the market, targeting their forward line for renewal. The arrivals of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz underline a clear determination to evolve rather than stand still. Slot’s strategy has been to refresh his attacking options while trusting his established midfield balance to deliver consistency.

Even when discussing potential weaknesses, there is no escaping how imposing Liverpool appear under their new manager. Slot’s public comments emphasise intensity and standards across all competitions, whether the Premier League or domestic cups, ensuring his players maintain a winning edge.

Arsenal face pressure to deliver

Arsenal, for their part, have the depth and energy to sustain another challenge, but Keane’s words serve as a reminder that talent alone does not guarantee a title. Arteta will be expected to turn potential into tangible success, especially now that investment has given him one of the strongest squads in the division.

For Liverpool, the pressure is different. They know what it takes to lift the trophy, and the task is to defend it successfully. With Slot embedding his ideas and new signings bolstering the attack, there is every reason to believe the champions can once more defy their doubters.