‘What are you talking about?’ – Wayne Rooney accuses Martin Keown and Arsenal fans of ‘killing’ team

Wayne Rooney has told Martin Keown to ‘stay silent’ for the good of Arsenal after his Premier League title race claims.

The Manchester United legend also accused Keown and Arsenal fans of ‘killing’ their team as they target a first title since 2004.

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It follows Keown’s comments on talkSPORT following Manchester City’s recent win over Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to win at Anfield earlier this month as they avoided falling nine points adrift of Arsenal.

City have since cut the gap to four points ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Wolves on Wednesday.

However, Keown argued City’s win over Liverpool would be ‘healthier’ to Arsenal’s title push in the long run.

Rooney responds

Rooney strongly disagrees with his comments, though, as he labelled the former Gunners defender ‘nervous’.

The five-time Premier League champion hit back during an appearance on the latest episode of The Overlap Fan Debate.

Asked by Jamie Carragher about Arsenal not having a clear best player, Rooney said: “I agree with the fact that Arsenal don’t have an out-and-out superstar, a world-class player that you can pin everything on.

“However, what we’ve seen over the last few years is, they know how to win games. They’ve shown you don’t need that superstar player.

“What I think is happening is, the Arsenal fans, ex-players coming out, they are killing them. They should stay silent and let everyone else talk.

“I heard Martin Keown saying having a six-point lead is better than nine, I was thinking, ‘What are you talking about?’

“That’s an experienced player getting nervous. Mikel Arteta is handling it brilliantly, the way he’s speaking, how he’s coming out in the media, how he’s trying to calm the players down.

“It’s other people who are connected to the club who are having more of an effect.

“Quality-wise, Arsenal have got a lot of quality. Have they got that superstar? That (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Sergio Aguero-type player that’s going to make a difference?

“I don’t think they have, but they know how to win games, and they’ve shown that over the last three years.”

Arsenal are looking to end their 22-year wait for a 14th league title this season.

It follows three consecutive second place finishes under Mikel Arteta, two of which saw them end the season as runners-up to City.

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The Gunners could move seven points clear against Wolves on Wednesday, live on talkSPORT, but will have played a game more than their title rivals.

City host Newcastle on Saturday ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur for the north London derby the following day.

What did Keown say?

Rooney’s comments followed Keown’s claims on talkSPORT last week following City’s win at Anfield.

He explained: “You think about the game before and you think: ‘Okay, if it goes to nine points, then we know the narrative will be that Arsenal are champions’.

“And I actually thought to myself, maybe it’s better that City win this game, just to keep it real.

“If you’re a prospective champion, this is the life that you have to lead. You expect the unexpected.

“It was an amazing result for City. But Arsenal didn’t lose this weekend. Arsenal won a very important match against a really good side – Sunderland.”

Arsenal are scheduled to face City at the Etihad Stadium on April 18.