Gary Neville is ‘absolutely adamant’ about what Mikel Arteta has to do next at Arsenal

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Gary Neville has sent a message to Mikel Arteta after watching Arsenal come from behind to beat Newcastle United.

The Gunners waited until the dying embers to seal the win, with Gabriel Magalhaes scoring a 96th-minute winner to claim all three points.

It was elation for Arsenal and agony for Newcastle, who led up to the 84th minute of play.

It was also a painful outcome for Liverpool, whose lead at the top of the Premier League table was narrowed to just two points.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta just broke 39-year Arsenal curse with late win over Newcastle

Gary Neville says Arsenal have to step up and win titles

Arsenal’s win was a statement, not just within Arteta’s squad but to the Premier League too.

After Liverpool lost to Crystal Palace, the Gunners knew they had to take advantage and win at St James’ Park, which they did.

While Gary Neville was impressed with Arsenal’s win over Newcastle, the pundit used the victory to urge the North Londoners to take the next step.

“You’re in the Champions League. You get a big prize money for finishing second.

You’re consistent. The grounds are full every week. The people are paying to watch. But you’re Arsenal football club, and you have to win titles,” Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast.

The Manchester United icon elaborated by reminiscing on how high the standards were at Arsenal when he was playing in the Premier League.

“I’m absolutely adamant about that because of what I experienced in my football career whilst battling against Arsenal year in year out. They’ve got to step up.”

Neville thinks Arsenal can win the Premier League this season, and after matchday six’s action, the Gunners took an encouraging step towards that.

Arsenal have set the tone with opening fixtures

Considering that four of Arsenal’s opening six fixtures were against teams who finished in the top seven last season, Arteta will be satisfied with where his side are.

Aside from playing a host of last term’s top teams, the Gunners have also dealt with three tough away games, beating Manchester United and Newcastle away as well as falling short to Liverpool. 

Having the difficult games ticked off so early could be a blessing in disguise for Arteta, whose side now faces an easier period in the league.

Next up in the league comes struggling West Ham, followed by a test against Fulham at Craven Cottage.