Eight-time Premier League winner Gary Neville has predicted the division’s title race, with Arsenal heading into Christmas with a two-point lead.
Gary Neville believes it is a two-horse race for the Premier League title and has ruled Aston Villa out of contention. Unai Emery’s side are now three points behind Arsenal after 17 games, but former Manchester United star Neville is unsure whether they can move into the top spot.
Unai Emery’s side have won seven consecutive Premier League games, including against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners. But Neville believes Arsenal will take this opportunity to turn their Christmas lead into the title.
The former Valencia manager rightly insists Manchester City will pose the biggest threat to the north London side in their pursuit of glory. Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland are “very special” and will ensure Arsenal face a huge challenge.
However, Neville still believes Declan Rice’s injury could become more of a problem in the second half of the season. The 50-year-old suggests it will also be important whether Arsenal can maintain their form in April and May.
“We’ve got a line under the top two,” Neville said after Villa beat Manchester United. “Aston Villa exist and should be respected, but they are not going to win the league.
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“I would be surprised if that happened. A lot could have gone wrong for Arsenal and Man City for Aston Villa to win the league.
“The league is strange, it’s not the top two teams, it’s the teams below them. I don’t really know what to make of the other teams.
“Man City are obviously (very good). They have Erling Haaland and Josep Guardiola, they have very special people on the pitch and on the bench.”
“For Arsenal, that’s the biggest threat apart from[Declan]Rice and a few other players getting injured. I’m not too worried about Arsenal playing a few games. That will happen at some point this season.”
“They weren’t very good at Everton, but will they ever do great there? I think they’re in a good position.
“What’s really interesting is how they handle it when we get to March, April, May. It’s going to be really interesting.
“But I actually feel like they’re going to extend their lead in February and March and get a five- or six-point cushion again. I think this is their year, even if they’re shut down a little bit.”
“It could be embarrassing because we know City fans are growing in confidence and think Arsenal are getting close to it. But I don’t know if that will happen this time.”
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