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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Turnbull

Roy Keane labels Arsenal as "mentally and physically shot" after Brighton hammering

Roy Keane has described Arsenal as "mentally and physically shot" following their 0-3 hammering at home to Brighton.

The result has all but ended the North-London side's surprise tilt at the Premier League title. It was the fifth time they'd dropped points in their last seven league matches. Manchester City are now top of the table by four points with just two matches remaining. They also have a game in hand.

Keane was on punditry duty for Sky Sports and had this to say after the match, "Arsenal just look like they have run out of steam, physically and mentally.

READ MORE: Brighton send Premier League warning as they sink Arsenal's title hopes in style

"I think we saw a team today that was physically and mentally shot. It really was. As soon as Brighton started flexing their muscles, passing and moving, looking sharp, they looked quicker and sharper."

But the Irishman was also keen to emphasise just how difficult it is to win a Premier League title. "We cannot be too hard on Arsenal. It has been a very good season. They have just come up short.

"What happened to Arsenal today was brutal. But it was brilliant. Watching a team just come up short and there is no hiding place. That is why we love the game. There is no hiding place and they were found out today.

"I think we saw a team today that was physically and mentally shot. It really was. As soon as Brighton started flexing their muscles, passing and moving, looking sharp, they looked quicker and sharper.

"We have been saying for a few months that if they have a few injuries they will struggle and certainly they do not have the strength in depth of City. They have the experience and the depth in quality. Arsenal have just come up short. It is as simple as that."

Keane, who was sharing punditry duty with old rival Patrick Vieira, identified the recent matches he believed had cost Arsenal the title.

"I think when you look at some of the games over the last five or six weeks, the West Ham game [2-2 away draw] particularly stands out for me. The West Ham and Southampton [3-3 home draw] games. I know they have dropped points at Liverpool [2-2 away draw], losing at City [4-1 defeat]. That can happen.

"They have won 25 league games which is fantastic. But I think the points lost against West Ham and Southampton definitely knocked them back a bit."

Vieira also commented on the loss by saying, "For me, they will have to build a team with more personality, more competitiveness.

"There is no doubt about Arsenal's quality - they're playing some really good football - but there's still a difference between them and Manchester City."

Manchester City will seal their seventh Premier League title if they beat Chelsea next Sunday.

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