Former Gary Neville says the title race remains firmly in favour of Arsenal but warns that Manchester City are the one team you do not want breathing down your neck.
“Gary Neville: Arsenal Still Favourites — But City Are the Danger”
The comment came after City thrashed Liverpool 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, cutting Arsenal’s lead from six points to just four and matching their goal-difference.
In his podcast appearance on Sky Sports, Neville began by stating that, in his view, Arsenal are still the better overall team.
However, he quickly added that City albeit “imperfect” — have the experience and know-how to mount a serious challenge.
“They’ve still got to convince me that they’re going to win the title – Arsenal are the better team – but they’re the one team and the one manager you wouldn’t want on your shoulder going down the home straight.”
Neville highlighted how City’s win sends a message to the Gunners:
Pep Guardiola’s side “have players who have been around the block and know how to win titles.”
He said Guardiola will want to “hang on [Mikel Arteta’s] shoulder by March” so that Arsenal feel the pressure.
Neville described City’s three-goal victory as more than just a statistical narrowing of the gap it was a psychological blow to Arsenal.
When asked about Liverpool’s chances, Neville answered with cautious optimism: while he believes the Reds still could challenge given their world-class players their inconsistent recent form suggests they aren’t quite there yet.
- Arsenal remain favourites.
- But City are the dark horse dangerous, experienced and ideally placed to strike.
- The title race has shifted from “Arsenal can relax” to “Arsenal must keep pushing”, with City now in hot pursuit.
