28 January 2023 , 00:40
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Roy Keane took aim at Albert Sambi Lokonga after his error cost Arsenal as they were dumped out of the FA Cup
The midfielder, who has been used sporadically by Mikel Arteta this term, came on at half-time to replace Thomas Partey at the Etihad. Lokonga's positional play was criticised in the lead-up to City's winning goal, with the pundits highlighting the amount of space he afforded Julian Alvarez.
Partey has been a mainstay for the Gunners this term and is regarded as arguably their most impressive performer. Ian Wright had sympathy for Lokonga, whose lack of match sharpness was telling, but Keane lamented the fact he was unable to understand the basics of his role.
Wright said on ITV : "It felt like that, but you see with someone like Sambi, he needs to be playing, he needs minutes. He needs to be able to understand and be more wary of where he is and what he needs to do, where he needs to be. You’ve got to try and sense that danger and that’s why he needs minutes in games of this quality, because that’s where you’ll learn."
Keane though was quick to respond as he added: "But at this stage, at that level, they’ve already learnt that part of the game. It’s a big concern."
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Nathan Ake was the man who eventually broke the deadlock in what was a cagey encounter in Manchester. It was the first meeting between the two sides this term, with their later clashes set to determine the destination of the Premier League title.
Arsenal's Albert Sambi Lokonga was exposed following his introductionMikel Arteta has largely stuck to the same starting XI for much of the season. Seven players have started in all 19 games for Arsenal as their continuity pays dividends, but does marginalise some of the squad members who are struggling for minutes - Lokonga among them.
Arsenal's lack of squad depth has been cited as an issue. There is an obvious drop off when Arteta opts to make changes, which is not as evident with Pep Guardiola and City. The team selection from the Gunners saw them rest several key players, some of whom appeared from the bench.
Nevertheless, Keane admitted the decisions made will have sent a negative message to the players. He claimed: "When you get beaten in a football match you’re going to feel that way. The players are going to be down for the next few days, I know they’ll recover and if Arsenal want to win the league they’ll say listen, we had to sacrifice this game.
"When you make that many changes - particularly defensively - you’re sending a message that’s saying we’re kind of not that bothered, which is not a good message to send."