Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has launched a scathing criticism of Manchester City's players, accusing them of "disrespecting" Liverpool following their remarkable late victory at Anfield. The fiery pundit took particular issue with the boisterous celebrations that continued in the visitors' dressing room while post-match interviews were being conducted nearby.
Dramatic Late Turnaround Secures Vital Victory
Manchester City appeared destined for another disappointing result in the Premier League title race when Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock with a spectacular free-kick. With just ten minutes remaining at Anfield, Pep Guardiola's side faced the prospect of falling nine points behind title rivals Arsenal.
However, the reigning champions produced a stunning late comeback that could prove pivotal in the championship battle. Bernardo Silva equalised in the 84th minute before Erling Haaland converted an injury-time penalty after Matheus Nunes was fouled by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Celebrations Spark Controversy
The incredible turnaround means Manchester City now trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by just six points with thirteen games remaining. City players celebrated wildly with their travelling supporters both after Haaland's dramatic winner and following the full-time whistle.
Controversy emerged when music could be heard blaring from the Manchester City changing room while Liverpool manager Arne Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk conducted their post-match interviews in adjacent areas. This prompted Keane's strong reaction during his analysis on Sky Sports.
Keane's Blunt Assessment
"Listen, it will be interesting to see if the music is on when Pep does his interview," the Manchester United legend remarked. "Manchester City are entitled to enjoy themselves, but you also have to show a bit of respect. Turn the music down when people are doing press interviews. It's ridiculous."
Beyond the celebration controversy, Keane provided a comprehensive analysis of the match's significance for the title race. "Huge result. Big lift for City. Their record here is not great," he observed.
Psychological Boost for Title Challengers
"Pep said before the game when you come to Anfield you need to show personality and character – and this City team showed it. Particularly in the second half," Keane continued. "They were very good, in terms of football in the first half. We've been critical of this team over the last eighteen months because of the standards City have set and this team haven't really reached it but today in the second half they showed desire, quality."
The former Republic of Ireland international emphasised the psychological importance of the victory, stating: "It's more than three points. Psychologically it's a big lift – and a bit of a hammer blow for Arsenal. They still have a nice lead but to see City go a goal down and then for them to get three points, it's huge."
Rooney Weighs In on Title Implications
Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney also commented on the match's significance, describing Manchester City's win as "important" for the title race. "It's a tough place to go Anfield," Rooney noted. "I thought Liverpool were really good second half, City were really good first half – then City have gone a goal down and dug in to get the three points."
Rooney urged Arsenal to maintain their focus despite City's dramatic victory. "Arsenal can only focus on themselves. I'm sure they will have had an eye on the game, because if City lose, it does become difficult for them. But Arsenal just need to focus on doing their own job."
The victory represents a significant momentum shift in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Premier League season, though the manner of City's celebrations has certainly added an extra layer of controversy to an already dramatic encounter.
