Gary Neville backed Arsenal to prove they were Premier League champions by ultimately defeating Manchester City at the Etihad in the title decider
Gary Neville has set his sights on the title fight after a long week (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Gary Neville admits he made a “wild prediction” but believes Arsenal will go to Manchester City and win to prove “they are champions”.
The Gunners have played more games than their nearest challengers and remain five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side dropped points in the middle of the week, but returned to winning ways with a convincing win against Tottenham on Sunday.
However, the draw with Wolves means City have taken the title into their own hands. A win against Arsenal at the Etihad in April and a win over Arsenal would give the North London side another overhaul.
Arsenal remained top of the table for most of the season and at times looked like they might be crowned champions. Their season and ambitions could depend on them being able to beat the likes of Josep Guardiola in their own backyard. It is one of the stadiums where they did not win during their breakthrough period, but Neville believes they can overcome their struggles, remembering the goal he scored against Arsenal’s Manchester United.
He said on his podcast: “When Arsenal come and win the title, I always think of Obermars’ goals, Wiltord’s goals. Those are killer goals. They silence City, not just on the ground. We’re going to Man City that day, but if you win you’ll absolutely silence them to the core. On the other hand, if City beat you like they did three years ago, it would shake you the other way.”
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“It’s about competing for places. If it’s Mikel Arteta, making sure he has a cushion for that game, that gives him some peace of mind. I don’t make predictions, I’m pretty bad at making predictions, but this is the year they go to win at City.”
“That’s where they’ll really realize they’re the champions. But that’s a wild prediction for the game and a lot would have happened by then. But that’s how I see the season going.”
“I thought City might come back at them, maybe get past them, but they’ll drop points. They themselves are going in the right direction quite a bit. Against Newcastle, they weren’t as tenacious, but they were a little too close for comfort. They weren’t as dominant or dominant as they were before.”
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are in contention for the Premier League trophy once again (Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Before the potential title decider in Manchester, both teams will clash for their first silver medal of the season in the Carabao Cup final. Many believe that it can be a huge boost for those who cross the line and may cause harm to the other person.
However, Neville insisted that if Arsenal were able to narrowly beat City, who have a sensational record under Guardiola, they could “manage to win”.
They face the Gunners again at City next weekend, while the Manchester side take on Leeds. By the time they face Chelsea, they can move within two points of Arteta’s side.
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