Manchester City are the top team in the Premier League for a reason. They have stalwart defenders to block shots, creative midfielders to thread passes through a needle, and intense strikers who can score in any type of situation.
But Roy Keane had taken his pundit job to new heights in previous weeks as he insulted one of the world’s best strikers who plays for Manchester City. Not only did Keane put his foot in his mouth – which it wouldn’t be the first time – but the entire footballing world took to social media to voice their outcries.
Keane is now recanting his initial statement regarding the super-talented Manchester City footballer. But is it too little too late?
Manchester City Number Nine a ‘Championship’ Player
A slick passing move leading to @ErlingHaaland's goal at Forest! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/y489mB3aYv
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 29, 2024
Roy Keane said a few weeks ago in a post-match conference that a Manchester City striker acted like a ‘League Two’ player. Not only is this insulting to the player, but it is also a bit embarrassing for Keane to make such a sweeping generalization for one of the best strikers to ever play the game.
Keane made this statement about Erling Haaland, City’s pivotal #9 striker who has broken Premier League records and helped Manchester City to the top spot in the Prem. At such a young age, he has already made a name for himself as one of the best strikers in any generation.
Haaland returned from his short-term injury to play against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, scoring a key goal to help City stay top of the table. The Norwegian striker and former German Bundesliga player has scored key goals in the past two seasons for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The critical goal caused Keane to ‘change his mind’ and slightly alter his tune after really laying in on Haaland a few weeks ago for his lack of creativity and technique in the build-up play on the pitch.
‘He was very much like a Championship player, he has improved a lot! In terms of a goal scorer he is absolutely amazing…when he’s coming on he will want to have an impact on the game and when it’s stretched like that, he’s got people like De Bruyne, he’s going to find you and then it’s just that bit of sharpness.’
Looking Ahead for Manchester City
Manchester City didn’t have a great game against Nottingham Forest, as the season comes to an end, and players get both mentally and physically fatigued. However, Haaland’s goal proved to be crucial as they won and moved within just one point of the league leaders, Arsenal FC.
Despite being one point behind, Guardiola’s side can soon leapfrog Arsenal to get to the top spot since they are two games behind the Gunners.
Next up, Manchester City are at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. They have a few days off to get ready, recover, and prepare for a home battle against this mid-table team. A win here would see them move closer to the Premier League trophy.
Then, the last three games have them face off against Fulham, Tottenham, and West Ham. Arsenal have to play Manchester United, which could easily be an upset, and Everton, which should be a win.
But, looking at the bigger picture, City’s final run of games could see them ease their way into the #1 position, whereas Liverpool has fallen far off the pace with player disputes, arguments, and dropping results.
It seems as though Haaland might be a Premier League player after all.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
