Roy Keane was not impressed by Mikel Arteta’s decision to make six changes for Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Manchester City on Friday night, saying it was a huge gamble that would likely backfire.
There were regular first team players in the starting XI, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey playing, but Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira came in, while the defence was much-changed.
Matt Turner started in goal, behind a back four of Tomehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Gabriel and Kieran Tierney.
With Pep Guardiola fielding a near-full strength side, Keane thought it was too much of a gamble from the Arsenal boss, especially as they don’t play again until a week on Saturday at Everton in the Premier League.
‘It’s a huge gamble to make so many changes, particularly in the defensive position, the goalkeepers,’ Keane said on ITV.
‘We thought he’d make one or two, but that’s such a gamble to make so many changes at the back, especially with the attacking players Man City have got.”
‘The priority for Arsenal – because they’ve had such a great start – is of course the league. But I just think to make so many changes defensively, people talking about the priorities, but it’s still January. They’ve got no midweek game coming up.
‘Huge risk and I’m pretty sure it will backfire on him.’
With the game goalless at half-time and Arsenal looking pretty comfortable, Keane was already changing his tune, saying: Arsenal have done very well, the shape of the team, pressing high up the pitch, they look comfortable in possession, had a couple of shots away.
‘Considering the changes they made, I was really worried about that before the game.’
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