Richards, a former Man City player, was hailing Arsenal’s defensive performance and particular the efforts of William Saliba and Gabriel after the ten-man Gunners almost clinched a memorable win over the Premier League champions.
Arsenal led 2-1 at half-time but had their backs to the wall for almost the entirety of the second half after Leandro Trossard was sent off just before the break.
Manchester City appeared to be out of ideas when substitute John Stones scored a dramatic equaliser in the 98th minute to earn a point and maintain the hosts’ unbeaten start to the new season.
While Arsenal were gutted to concede so late on, they would have taken a point at half-time as they faced the prospect of taking on the best team in England with a numerical disadvantage.
Given Arsenal frustrated Man City for so long, Richards was full of praise for Arsenal’s defensive, telling Sky Sports: ‘Gabriel and Saliba were unbelievable.
‘To defend like that for 45 minutes in the second half against the best team in the league is remarkable.
‘When Gabriel came to Arsenal he was making a few mistakes, but he has changed his game to be reliable.’
Manchester United legend Keane then interrupted Richards and said: ‘They conceded two goals. They couldn’t have defended that well.
‘They conceded two goals. Can I tell you something? Teams can get a result with ten men… it has happened before.
‘It’s like we’re making out they did something extraordinary. Listen Arsenal did well but Man City were really poor, no overlaps, no movement.
‘It was more poor play from Man City than brilliant Arsenal defending.’
