A Legendary Rivalry Revisited
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Martin Keown, two of the Premier League’s most iconic figures, recently reunited ahead of Leicester City’s clash with Arsenal, a match that will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Their reunion brought back memories of one of the league’s most passionate and fiery rivalries, where both players were at the forefront, creating some of the most memorable moments in football history. Perhaps the most iconic image from their rivalry is Keown celebrating in Van Nistelrooy’s face after the Dutchman missed a last-minute penalty for Manchester United against Arsenal. Over two decades later, Van Nistelrooy finds himself facing Arsenal once again, but this time in a different role—as the manager of Leicester City.
The Hard Tackler and the Clever Striker
Keown, known for his aggressive and tenacious style of play, admitted he has had to apologize to numerous strikers since retiring, and he wasted no time in extending his apologies to the Leicester boss during their meeting. "Apologies for all of the shenanigans that went on back in the day," Keown said with a smile. "I’m glad you’re standing there and not next to me because you used to stamp on me." Van Nistelrooy responded with a mix of humor and respect, saying, "What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. I’m happy that I have him in front of me and not the back of me. It was a good rivalry, wasn’t it? I would like to block you out as well, and then fall over." The mutual respect and camaraderie between the two former rivals were evident, a testament to the transformative nature of their post-playing careers.
The Art of Rivalry
Keown, who was renowned for his tough tackling, explained that his on-pitch behavior was a necessary part of the game. "Since I’ve finished playing, the amount of strikers I’ve had to apologize to," he added. "It was nothing personal with the way I treated him, every striker got treated exactly the same. Maybe a little bit of extra special spice for him, because he was a pretty decent striker." Van Nistelrooy, praised for his clever movement and clever offside positioning, was a constant thorn in Keown’s side. "He was clever, a very clever player," Keown admitted. "The way he used to pull off the shoulder, stand in an offside position when the ball was on the other side. He was very clever," he added, highlighting the tactical brilliance that made Van Nistelrooy one of the best strikers of his generation.
The Person You Become on the Pitch
Joining Keown in the conversation was TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole, who also reflected on the intensity and competitiveness of on-pitch rivalries. "You don’t always like the person you become but you have to be competitive," Keown said. "When you cross that white line, you have to change and you want to win at all costs." Cole echoed this sentiment, describing himself as a "nasty little thing on the pitch" and recounting a period of around 10 years during which he did not speak to Rio Ferdinand due to their on-pitch confrontations. "You have to become that person on the pitch, and that’s acceptable," Cole emphasized. The discussion underscored the duality of professional athletes, who often transform into fierce competitors on the field but remain respectful and collegial off it.
The Upcoming Clashes
Leicester City will host Arsenal at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, February 15. The match is set to kick off at 12:30 UK time, with live coverage starting on TNT Sports 1 at 11:00. TNT Sports offers a comprehensive lineup of channels, including TNT Sports 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as up to six digital or red-button channels, and the premium TNT Sports Ultimate and Box Office HD packages. This ensures that football fans have multiple options to catch the action, whether they are at home or in local establishments showing the game. The Pub Finder tool on the TNT Sports website can help viewers find nearby venues to watch the match.
How to Watch Leicester v Arsenal
For those looking to catch Leicester’s clash with Arsenal, TNT Sports is the place to be. Available across all major TV platforms, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media, the broadcasting network provides a seamless viewing experience. To subscribe, visit the TNT Sports website or check with your local TV provider. The pre-match coverage will begin at 11:00 UK time on February 15, leading up to the kick-off at 12:30. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, TNT Sports and discovery+ offer a front-row seat to one of the Premier League’s most anticipated matches, bringing the excitement and intensity of the pitch right into your living room.
