Gary Neville has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title "by a street" following their 3-0 victory over Coventry City on the opening weekend of the season. The former Manchester United defender believes the Gunners were the most impressive of the top-flight teams in action, having also beaten Manchester City by the same scoreline in the Community Shield a week earlier.
Arsenal's title credentials
Mikel Arteta's side are looking to defend their Premier League crown after ending a two-decade wait to lift the title last season. The Gunners have strengthened their squad in the summer and are aiming to go one better in the Champions League after defeat to PSG in the final.
The arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier on permanent transfers have made Arteta's side favourites to win the title once again.
Neville's verdict
"Last week when we were previewing the season all I kept thinking was this is going to be the most unpredictable season and it's going to be intriguing," Neville said on the Gary Neville podcast after Newcastle United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at St. James' Park.
"We've got new managers, lots of new players and so much change at the top. Arsenal should win this league by a street."
"We've seen Tottenham get beaten, Man United lose, Liverpool nearly lose, Man City scrambling for a win at home… The unpredictable nature we thought we'd see at the top we have seen on this opening weekend. It's played out pretty much how I thought it would do."
Challengers underwhelm
The jury is out on who will challenge the Gunners for the title, with Liverpool some way off their imperious best that won the title in 2024/25 and a huge overhaul at Anfield. The same can be said for Manchester City under Enzo Maresca, while Chelsea are an unknown prospect under Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick's Manchester United were comfortably beaten by Hull City.
Andoni Iraola's Liverpool were disappointing during their clash with Newcastle and needed a late penalty to rescue a point against the Magpies.
Speaking about Liverpool's chances this season, Neville said: "They're nowhere near a title-winning team I don't think. The other big thing for Liverpool is they've got Isak and Wirtz who are going to have to start playing soon. We've been kind on them two. They need to start delivering and they need to improve."
