Too clever’ – Roy Keane issues blunt verdict on Habib Diarra’s Sunderland miss against Aston Villa

Roy Keane did not hold back after Habib Diarra’s late miss as Sunderland suffered dramatic defeat at Aston Villa

Roy Keane delivered a blunt verdict on Habib Diarra’s late miss as Sunderland fell to a dramatic 4-3 defeat against Aston Villa, insisting the midfielder “has to score” in that moment.

The Black Cats had produced a remarkable late fightback at Villa Park, with goals from Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor cancelling out Villa’s 3-1 lead deep into the game. With momentum firmly on Sunderland’s side, Diarra was then played through one-on-one with Emiliano Martínez, but opted to chip the goalkeeper – a decision that proved costly as the Argentine saved.

Moments later, Villa broke forward and substitute Tammy Abraham turned home Lucas Digne’s cross in the 93rd minute to seal the win and boost their Champions League hopes, leaving Sunderland stunned after coming so close to a famous result.

Reacting to the decisive moment on Sky Sports, Keane said: “Villa were gone at this stage. He has got to score. He has to score. He has to whip it around the keeper. He has tried to be too smart and too clever. Credit to the goalkeeper, who has made himself big, but what a chance, he can even pass it to the side for his teammate.”

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Micah Richards added: “Wow. What a game. Digne with a lovely cross. Look at that touch from Abraham. Wow. Absolutely outstanding, could have gone the other way and look at that from Emery, that’s what it means.”

The moment ultimately proved decisive in a game that swung dramatically in its closing stages, with Sunderland left to reflect on a costly missed opportunity.