Gary Neville has thrown a fresh curveball into the Premier League title race. After backing a three-team fight at the start of the season, the former Manchester United defender now believes it’s down to just two clubs.
His U-turn comes after a weekend that saw Liverpool stumble and Arsenal close the gap in dramatic fashion.
Arsenal grabbed a stoppage-time win at Newcastle to move within two points of the league leaders. Liverpool, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the campaign in a surprising loss to Crystal Palace.
The Gunners’ late heroics, combined with the Reds’ slip, have apparently convinced Neville that Manchester City no longer belong in the title conversation.
What Gary Neville said?
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said, “Mikel Arteta has got a brilliant squad. He’s got a brilliant squad, I think he’s got the best squad in the league and maybe the best team in the league and I say that quietly because Liverpool are excellent. There’s only two teams who can win this league – Liverpool and Arsenal – I don’t think anyone else can.”
Just a month ago, Neville tipped a three-way battle between Liverpool, Arsenal, and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Back then, he insisted, “All three of those teams have got genuine cases.” But despite City’s recent unbeaten run, the former England right-back now sees them as outsiders.
It’s a call that could age like milk or look genius come May, depending on how Guardiola’s men respond.
Arsenal’s comeback at St. James’ Park has certainly strengthened their case. Two late goals, including a last-gasp header from Gabriel, kept the pressure on Liverpool and turned the title race into a real nail-biter.
With October bringing tricky fixtures for all contenders, every dropped point will feel like a red card to ambitions.
Neville’s prediction may not please City fans, but it adds spice to an already heated race. If his words prove true, the Premier League could be heading for a classic two-horse sprint between the Reds and the Gunners.
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