Gary Neville believes a victory for Manchester City against Arsenal could significantly alter the Premier League title race, as fans tune in on Sky Sports this Super Sunday.
Last season, Pep Guardiola’s squad was unable to secure any trophies for the first time in eight years, prompting a revamp of the team at the Etihad Stadium.
Though City kicked off the season with an impressive 4-0 win over Wolves, they soon faced back-to-back losses against Spurs and Brighton just before the international break, raising concerns about their performance.
However, the mood has brightened following a 3-0 triumph over city rivals Manchester United, and Neville acknowledges that City now has a chance to demonstrate they are a serious contender this season when they face off against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
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“From Arsenal’s perspective, they absolutely must win this match,” Neville commented on The Gary Neville Podcast.
He continued, “At this moment, I believe Arsenal to be a stronger, more well-rounded team compared to Manchester City, even though City will undoubtedly present challenges for Arsenal. Their roster includes too much quality.”
“Arsenal must manage threats like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva, who have the individual talent to create impactful moments in the match,” Neville added.
Furthermore, he stated, “For Arsenal to prevail, they’ll need to strike a balance between their solid defensive strategy and the understanding that they need to secure a win.”
He emphasized that their success in such high-stakes matches will require not only tactical discipline but also the urgency to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“For City, if they want to establish themselves firmly back in the title race, they must secure a win this Sunday,” Neville urged. “Claiming victory at the Emirates would certainly cause a stir.”
‘City’s core is exceptional’
While Neville expressed skepticism about City being the formidable force they once were, he acknowledged the elite talent at their core, including standout performers like Haaland and new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who can dominate matches if firing on all cylinders.
“This current iteration of Manchester City isn’t as dominant as the team from two or three years ago,” he remarked. “Despite their impressive 3-0 victory against Manchester United, I had the sense that they were vulnerable on the counter.”
He continued, “I don’t think they are the top team in the league right now. Arsenal and Liverpool have the edge, but with Donnarumma, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Haaland all at their peak, they possess a world-class spine.”
Neville asserted, “Haaland stands as the best forward globally and has the potential to dismantle any defense.”
“I remain unconvinced by the narrative surrounding Manchester City. Despite their 3-0 triumph over Manchester United, I observed weaknesses in their defense during counterattacks.”
‘Arsenal’s attacking options have expanded’
Neville has also praised Arsenal’s strong start to the season, highlighting new signings such as Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyokeres as key additions to their attacking arsenal.
“With Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, there was an expectation they would dominate Arsenal’s flanks for years to come. Yet, players like Madueke and Eze are making significant impacts against challengers like Nottingham Forest,” he noted.
Neville further remarked, “While Saka and Martinelli will surely return, Madueke is exceeding expectations, showcasing skills reminiscent of top-level players.”
“Encountering wingers with his pace and finesse is a tough challenge for any full-back” he added. “Moreover, Eze appears to possess that special quality that Arsenal needs.”
Adding depth, Gyokeres and others provide Arsenal with exciting new dimensions to their attack.
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Neville also noted that while Arsenal features many skillful players including Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Saka, and Declan Rice, Viktor Gyokeres introduces a different dynamic to the squad.
He described Gyokeres as being an unconventional choice due to his style, but believes he provides a valuable contrast to the more technical players in the squad.
He clarified, “This style can be particularly effective against smaller teams. While success against stronger defenses may be more challenging, his presence can bolster the team’s performance overall.”
‘Arsenal must embrace calculated risks’
Arsenal players celebrate after Martin Zubimendi makes it 3-0 against Nottingham Forest.
Neville expressed confidence in Martin Zubimendi’s importance to the Gunners this season and urged the team to adopt a more adventurous approach to elevate their title ambitions.
He stated, “I feel Zubimendi is as vital a signing as Gyokeres; Arsenal needed someone who could effectively distribute the ball and break lines, something Jorginho excelled at last season.”
Reflecting on Rice’s evolving role under Mikel Arteta, Neville suggested he should be utilized further up the pitch for a more dynamic influence on the game.
Neville added, “Zubimendi has shown his technical quality, highlighted by his recent efforts against Forest, which showcased his ability to score from various positions.”
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after doubling Arsenal’s lead against Nottingham Forest.
Neville concluded, “If Arsenal can promote Zubimendi’s development while maintaining their depth and fostering the relationship within midfield, they have a bright future ahead.”
Moreover, he stated, “Although they boast considerable creative talent, the team must take on more calculated risks to unlock their full potential.”
He urged, “Maintaining a balance among being pragmatic defensively while daring to express themselves and take chances can be the difference in clinching the Premier League or Champions League titles.”
Catch Arsenal vs Man City live on Sky Sports this Sunday; kick-off is set for 4:30 pm.