Gary Neville makes strong claim on Arsenal title race
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes it would be shocking if Arsenal fail to win the Premier League this season.
His comments came after the Gunners suffered a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, a result that slightly tightened the title race.
That loss reduced Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table from seven points to four, increasing pressure in the closing months.
Despite the setback, Neville remains confident that Mikel Arteta’s side will still finish the job and lift the trophy.
Neville pointed out that several teams once expected to challenge have dropped away, leaving Arsenal in a strong position.
He said: “It feels unthinkable if Arsenal don’t win the Premier League. They’re on that journey to winning it and everyone is falling away. Man City have never been as weak, Liverpool have gone. But City are the danger.”
Arsenal dropping points has increased the pressure
Neville did, however, highlight specific matches where Arsenal failed to fully take control of their title push.
He explained that certain results have made the run-in more tense than it needed to be for Arteta’s side.
He added: “I think Arsenal will win the league but the results against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Manchester United are putting pressure on themselves.
“They’ve dropped points, winning just two of the last nine points. I think Arsenal will come through it but it’s right we’re questioning them. If they drop points at Leeds next week, further questions will be asked”
Neville believes the next few matches will be vital in shaping the final outcome of the season.
Mental strength still under scrutiny
The former defender concluded by returning to the subject of pressure and how it affects Arsenal at this stage.
He warned that City remain a serious threat, especially if they continue to collect wins behind Arsenal.
Neville feels Arsenal have the quality to secure the title, but the pressure will only increase if City keep winning.
He further said: “Arsenal have enough to win the title but there will be pressure especially if Man City win their next game. Until they win the league there will be questions over their mentality because they have fallen at the final hurdle before.”
Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League three seasons in a row, which continues to shape the narrative around them.
That recent history means doubts will remain until Arteta’s side finally cross the line and confirm the title.
With Pep Guardiola’s team close behind, Arsenal know there is little room for further mistakes in the weeks ahead.
The post Gary Neville makes strong claim on Arsenal title race first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.