Gary Neville has outlined the key similarity he sees between Arsenal and Manchester City’s treble-winning side that can now see the Gunners win the Premier League title.
Last weekend saw Arsenal edge atop the table by one point after Liverpool held Manchester City to a draw. Trent Alexander-Arnold ensured his Anfield natives avoided a defeat at Etihad Stadium with an 80th-minute equaliser. Kai Havertz was also the Gunners’ hero at Brentford.
Arsenal seemed set to take one point at the Gtech Community Stadium as the Bees put up a resilient defence. But Havertz stole the win in the 89th minute as the 24-year-old ghosted in at the far post to burry Bukayo Saka’s delivery. It was his second goal in 13 fixtures this term.
Arsenal top the Premier League table after beating Brentford
Beating Brentford saw Arsenal usurp Manchester City and Liverpool to now lead the Premier League table through 13 games. Mikel Arteta’s club had entered the weekend sitting third in the standings by one point. Now, they have a slim lead ahead of hosting Wolves on Saturday.
Keeping the Bees from scoring – thanks in part to Declan Rice after a frightening moment for Aaron Ramsdale – also ensured Arsenal now boast the outright best defence this term. They have conceded a league-low 10 goals to 27 scored, which is only the sixth-best tally thus far.
Neville likens Arteta’s side to Manchester City’s treble winners
Neville feels Arsenal are showing with results like at Brentford that they are better equipped to win the Premier League. The Manchester United legend claims the doggedness on display at Emirates Stadium proves Arteta has taken the Gunners to a greater level than last season.
He also admits Arsenal are not playing as attractively as they did last season as they pushed Manchester City for the title. But Neville claims that was a similar story with the Citizens last season as Pep Guardiola led them to Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles.
“In my opinion, this team is far more likely to win the league than last year’s,” Neville shared on X. “They weren’t capable of playing below par last year and amassing these points. City were less attractive to watch last year than in previous years but won the treble.
“I see this with Arsenal this year in regards to the league. Perfect, pretty football is unlikely to win the league unless it’s combined with a doggedness and resilience. Arsenal are better this year in these areas and the football will come in due course.
“They have power about them and functionality that makes them a real threat. This could all be tosh but that’s how I’m reading them right now after a third of the season.”
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