Roy Keane mocks Arsenal's gloves, Walcott's hype
Roy Keane was his typically outspoken self when returning to his part-time gig as a pundit on Wednesday, suggesting both Arsenal and Theo Walcott's fine form will be short-lived.
The Ireland assistant was a main protagonist in a heated rivalry with Arsenal during his Manchester United days in the 90s and noughties, and often rehashes their history with a raised point of contention when discussing the Gunners on television.
And he's certainly not buying into Walcott's five goals and overall improved performances to begin the 2016-17 campaign.
"It's taken him a while to get a settle at the club, hasn't it? Ten years?" Keane said of Walcott, according to Callum Davis from The Telegraph.
"Listen the guy needs to relax; he's had a good week. Try playing well for the next seven, eight, nine months when the real crunch games come.
"I wouldn't get carried away about Walcott. He's got to keep doing it over the next year or two."
Arsenal was in control from kickoff against FC Basel in the midweek Champions League group-stage tilt, not needing to exceed second gear after Walcott's first-half brace. It could've been much more than 2-0, though, if it wasn't for the exploits of Tomas Vaclik between the sticks.
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When it comes to the business end of the season, however - or, indeed, when it gets a bit chilly - Keane predicts Arsene Wenger's side will fold.
"Tonight was a lovely game for Arsenal, when they're in that form they're great to watch," Keane continued. "They could've score seven, eight, nine goals easily: a joy to watch.
"But the crunch games are coming up for them over the next few months, when the cold nights come in and we'll see half the Arsenal players with their gloves on."
The Emirates Stadium faithful would claim their heroes have already proven they can step up to the plate - Arsenal overwhelmed Chelsea in its own backyard Saturday - but Keane may be alluding to a tough November and December which includes trips to Manchester United, Manchester City, and Everton, and visits from Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain.
In the meantime, Wenger is preparing his ranks for a spate of winnable fixtures - beginning with Burnley, Swansea City, and Ludogorets Razgrad.