'Do you want the plaudits or the points?': Roy Keane clashes over Arsenal's display at Man City as he laughs off claims Gunners can be 'proud' despite defeat. Rice was angry !!!

A heated debate erupted between Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Micah Richards following Arsenal’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester City in what was widely seen as a turning point in the Premier League title race.

The match at the Etihad saw goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, allowing City to close the gap to just three points behind Arsenal, with a game still in hand. Although Kai Havertz capitalized on a mistake by Gianluigi Donnarumma to equalize in the first half, Arsenal ultimately suffered their second consecutive Premier League defeat.

Despite many praising Arsenal’s performance, Roy Keane strongly disagreed. He bluntly argued that at this stage of the season, performance means little without results.

He said:"That is part of it. Do you not think City would have had it today? They are at home and if they lose the league is over."

Keane continued by emphasizing the pressure of a title race:"That is the challenge for Arsenal; playing under pressure. City have been the best team in this country by far for the last six years - imagine the pressure they have been under. You get the plaudits - it is no good getting plaudits when you get beaten."

When asked whether Arsenal could take positives from the match, Keane responded firmly:"No. They are Arsenal Football Club, they are not a small club."

Meanwhile, Micah Richards defended Arsenal, suggesting the team showed clear improvement:"We thought Arsenal would go in a low block. They have not been playing well, but have got over the line in some games. Today they showed they are a better team when they press."

However, Keane quickly pushed back:"You are surprised Arsenal came and did well? Do you want the plaudits or the points? What do you want?"

Richards insisted:"Of course you want the points, but we are talking about a team taking positives going into the next game. They played a lot better. Did you expect Arsenal to play this well?"

Keane stood his ground:"Yeah. Of course I did, they are top of the league. They are a good team, they are no mugs."

Gary Neville then joined the debate, suggesting that manager Mikel Arteta could still take pride in the team’s performance:"Arteta will be saying I'm proud of you, play at that standard for the rest of the season..."

But Keane responded with sarcasm:"Wow. I'm proud of you? Gary, man, what's in that drink there? I'm proud of you, really?"

Roy Keane (left) clashed with Micah Richards (second right) and Gary Neville (right) over Arsenal's performance against Manchester City

Neville later clarified his point:"I think he'll say I'm proud of how you played and if you play at that standard for the rest of the season then we will win games."

Keane closed the debate without changing his stance, directly criticizing the mistake that led to the decisive goal:"I'm proud of that goal we give away, a defining moment? It's in the goalkeeper's hands and 10 seconds later it's a goal? That isn't something to be proud of."

On Arsenal’s side, Mikel Arteta remained calm after the match and insisted his team still has a chance to win the title.

He said:"We take it game by game. We had very good moments a few days ago in the Champions League against Sporting. We are playing so many games."

"We are the only team that's playing, playing, playing and playing. But the positive thing is we have seen the level, we can cope with that, and not just that but do even better."

"There are five games to go, but we're going to give a real go for it. We have full belief we can do it."

"Today we have shown the team that we are. It's still in our hands, and it's there for the taking."

After the final whistle, Declan Rice delivered a defiant message to teammate Martin Odegaard on the pitch, insisting: "it's not done" — a moment captured by Sky Sports cameras.

Despite the loss, captain Odegaard admitted disappointment but remained composed, avoiding any dramatic conclusions about the title race. He said:"There's always that pressure in football, always noise,"

Declan Rice issued a defiant message to team-mate Martin Odegaard after Arsenal's defeat

The Norwegian midfielder continued, emphasizing the team’s focus during this crucial stage of the season:"That's a part of being a football player at this level. We are going to keep going, focus on ourselves like we've done all season. We look forward to the next game and move on. That's all we're doing to do."

Despite the defeat, Arsenal still sit top of the table, three points ahead of Manchester City. However, they have played one more match than their rivals.

City will travel to face Burnley on Wednesday, and a win by two or more goals would see Pep Guardiola’s side move to the top on goal difference. Meanwhile, Arteta’s team will play two crucial matches before City return to Premier League action, hosting Newcastle United and Fulham at home.