Roy Keane has sent a message to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka after the England international missed a penalty during Sunday’s costly 2-2 draw at West Ham.
The Gunners have blown two-goal leads in consecutive Premier League games for the first time and are only the fifth side in the competition’s history to do so.
Mikel Arteta’s side had the opportunity to go 3-1 up at the London Stadium when Michail Antonio’s handball’s saw them handed a spot kick not long into the second half, but Saka missed as West Ham equalised just three minutes later.
The Hammers held on to secure a point in what is a huge blow to Arsenal’s hopes of lifting their first Premier League trophy since 2004.
The Gunners now have a four point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand and host Arsenal at the Etihad on April 26.
Manchester United legend Keane watched the match unfold on Sky Sports and expressed sympathy for Saka, who has been superb this season.
The 21-year-old winger has been a key player for the north London club this term, registering 12 goals and 10 assists.
‘Last week, we forgave them because they were at Liverpool and it’s a big ask,’ Keane said about Arsenal for letting a two-goal lead slip.
‘Today was self-inflicted, particularly with the first penalty they gave away (for West Ham’s first goal).
‘We’ve seen great players miss penalties. It’s pressure, as simple as that. He’s a brilliant player (Saka) and he’ll respond to that as he always does. It’s a big point for West Ham and they deserved it in the second half.’
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was also quizzed about Saka’s penalty miss and told Sky Sports: ‘These things happen, he has been brilliant all season and been clinical from the spot.
‘But today was not the day for him. We win and lose together.’
Arteta, meanwhile, said: ‘A player who takes penalties misses penalties, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t.’
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