Gary Neville insists it would be “unthinkable” for Arsenal to surrender the Premier League title this season, despite admitting their recent stumble has cranked up the pressure ahead of a nerve shredding run in.
The former Manchester United defender, speaking after the Gunners’ damaging 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford, believes Mikel Arteta’s side remain clear favourites even as their lead was cut to four points. “They’re on that journey to winning it and everyone is falling away,” Neville said. “Man City have never been as weak, Liverpool have gone. But City are the danger.”
However, Neville pinpointed recent dropped points against the likes of Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool as self inflicted wounds that have tightened the race unnecessarily. “They’ve dropped points, winning just two of the last nine,” he noted. “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.”
The Sky Sports pundit returned repeatedly to the psychological challenge facing a squad with a recent history of falling short. “Until they win the league there will be questions over their mentality because they have fallen at the final hurdle before,” he stressed, referencing three consecutive second place finishes.
With Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City lurking and poised to pounce on any further slip, Neville believes the next few fixtures will be decisive. “Arsenal have enough to win the title but there will be pressure especially if Man City win their next game.”
The verdict from Neville is a mix of firm belief and stark warning. The talent and position is there for Arsenal, but after last weekend, the margin for error has all but vanished. The questions over their nerve will only grow louder until they finally get the job done.
