Martin Keown explains why Arsenal 'didn't trust' Ruud van Nistelrooy 20 years after infamous Manchester United clash
Martin Keown has admitted that Arsenal 'didn't trust' Ruud van Nistelrooy as the defender looked back on the infamous 'Battle of Old Trafford' with Manchester United.
United and Arsenal clashed in what remains one of the fiercest matches in Premier League history in September 2003, a game that ended 0-0 but saw incredible drama. Patrick Vieira was sent off and Sir Alex Ferguson's side were awarded a late penalty, but Van Nistelrooy's effort crashed off the crossbar.
Keown celebrated wildly in the United striker's face and players from both sides clashed after the full-time whistle was blown. And the former Gunners captain has looked back on the infamous battle two decades on, admitting he didn't trust Van Nistelrooy.
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"We knew that we were as good as them in that period," Keown told Mail Online. "They obviously went on in ‘99 to win the treble and in '97/'98 we won the double, so there was a tremendous rivalry between the two teams.
"But this was about trust. We didn’t trust Ruud van Nistelrooy, because he was a hugely smart and intelligent player but when you go into a physical combat with a player and you can be physical… you wouldn’t fall over like a pack of cards in the penalty box out of the blue, this is what Van Nistelrooy would do.
"He was very clever, he positioned himself in an offside position when the ball was delivered. When it was switched, you had 10 yards to make up. Smart player, ruthless in front of goal. He trampled all over me. When you back into the defender and push way to come back, he stamped all over your feet.
"I didn't see too many guys rescue him