Keane - We are not physical

Sunderland boss admits his side lack strength

Last updated: 6th October 2008

Roy Keane Sunderland manager

Keane: Sunderland admission

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Roy Keane has admitted his Sunderland side lack the strength to out-muscle their Premier League rivals.

The Black Cats were on the brink of a famous victory over Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday thanks to Grant Leadbitter's late goal, only for Cesc Fabregas to nod home an injury-time leveller.

Arsene Wenger was less than impressed by the home side's defensive approach, but Keane felt he had no option, especially as his side could not use the physical approach many teams adopt against the Gunners.

Saturday's draw was the first point Sunderland have taken from any of the so-called big four - Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - since their return to the Premier League.

Difficult

Keane said: "We are not really a physical team - you saw that at the end.

"We were defending a corner and we had Steed Malbranque, we had Grant Leadbitter and Michael Chopra.

"They were bringing on the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, who is six foot two, six three, so it was always going to be difficult.

"We had to try to play football. We can't physically dominate any team in the Premier League. That's something we are constantly looking at."

Massive

Fabregas' late equaliser came from an Arsenal corner and, having seen his side concede from set-pieces in the defeat by Aston Villa, Keane is keen to address the issue.

But the former Republic of Ireland international admits there is only so much that can be done on the training ground.

Keane said: "Set-pieces in the Premier League, both defending and attacking, are massive.

"But just because you work on them in the week, it doesn't mean to say you are not going to concede because a good ball into your area is sometimes very hard to defend."