Gary Neville expressed admiration for Arsenal's recent performance against Manchester City, urging Mikel Arteta's squad to seize the opportunity and challenge Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal's resilience and determination were on full display as they overcame conceding an early goal from Erling Haaland, showcasing their capability to contend for the title. Meanwhile, Liverpool continues to assert themselves as strong favorites, having all the necessary tools to claim the league title.
Manchester City faced a challenging month with matches against formidable opponents including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Spurs. Pep Guardiola's team selection against Arsenal drew criticism from Neville, who believed that the absence of key players such as Rodri was not adequately addressed. City's defensive struggles were highlighted as they conceded four or more goals for the fourth time this season, marking the most in any Guardiola campaign.
"It feels like they're climbing a mountain every week, Arsenal, just to stay in there and almost get to a point whereby there is a title race, but I do believe there is." – Gary Neville
Neville encouraged Arsenal to maintain their high standards and avoid complacency. He emphasized the importance of taking advantage of their position and urged them not to wait to challenge for the Premier League title. Neville's confidence in Arsenal's potential stems from their response after conceding to Haaland, where they demonstrated their capabilities reminiscent of past triumphs.
"What Arsenal demonstrated after conceding the Haaland goal is what they're capable of, and it does take me back into our dressing room when you've demonstrated what you're capable of." – Gary Neville
Pep Guardiola's team looked unrecognizable from the start against Arsenal, with Manuel Akanji's mistake leading to Martin Odegaard's opening goal. Neville questioned Guardiola's decision to play Phil Foden on the right wing and Savinho on the left, which he believed hindered Josko Gvardiol's forward movements. Despite these tactical decisions, Arsenal capitalized on City's errors and secured a decisive victory.
"Sometimes you can get one-nil up and think you're okay in a game and you can let the game drift and you can sleepwalk a little bit, that's what they were doing. But they did react." – Gary Neville
Neville has consistently backed Liverpool to win the league since the season began and remains steadfast in his prediction. Liverpool are in an incredible position, bolstered by their strong performances and depth in squad quality. As massive favorites, they continue to set the pace at the top of the table.
"Don't drop below that standard. Why wait? Don't wait, you've got 14 games to go, there's a Premier League title there, do not wait, go for it." – Gary Neville
City's struggles were further compounded by their inability to cope with the loss of Rodri. Neville believes City require a summer rebuild to address these deficiencies and return stronger. Guardiola's failure to effectively handle key player absences was evident in their recent defeat.
"So I just thought maybe today Pep Guardiola got his team selection wrong." – Gary Neville
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