Roy Keane sticks with Premier League title prediction after Man City vs Arsenal with U-turn refusal

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Man City came out as 2-1 winners over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in a big boost to their title hopes

Roy Keane is sticking with his prediction that Arsenal will clinch the Premier League title this season, despite their defeat to Manchester City in the pivotal top-of-the-table clash. City came out as 2-1 winners, closing the gap between the two teams to just three points.

Recent weeks have seen the margin steadily shrink, with City now in a position to leapfrog Mikel Arteta's side in the standings, should they win their midweek clash.

Rayan Cherki put City ahead at the Etihad Stadium, only for Kai Havertz to level things up just two minutes later. Arsenal did create opportunities to take the lead, but Erling Haaland's second-half strike ultimately proved decisive.

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With the gap narrowing and City holding a game in hand, opinion is shifting on who the favourites are to lift the trophy come the end of the campaign.

Speaking following the final whistle, former City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports: "I have said if Man City win today, this is the game, they will win the League. I have always said that."

Former Arsenal and City midfielder Patrick Vieira was of the same view, stating: "There's still 15 points on the table but if I had to answer the question I will say it, it will have to be Blue today," he said.

Gary Neville echoed similar sentiments, saying: "For the first time this season I am probably going to say they will win the League."

However, unlike his fellow pundits, Keane is refusing to budge from his prediction.

"I don't care. I am going to stick with Arsenal, of course I am going to stick with them," he said.

"No doubt the belief is not as strong as it was before the game, obviously City have got the momentum but I am going to have to stick with Arsenal because I called them at the start of the season."

Man City's midweek fixture sees them face second-from-bottom Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening. Victory would see the champions leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the table.

Both teams will then have five Premier League games of the season remaining.