The heated title race debate ignited on Sky Sports as pundits Gary Neville and Roy Keane delivered a starkly contrasting verdict on Liverpool's explosive 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
The stalemate, which saw Gabriel's early header for the Gunners cancelled out by a Mohamed Salah stunner, has left the Premier League summit on a knife-edge. But it was the fallout in the studio that captured fans' attention, with the two Manchester United icons clashing over who truly benefits from the result.
Neville's City Claim Sparks Fiery Exchange
Gary Neville did not hesitate in declaring the outcome a clear victory for the reigning champions. "The only winner today is Manchester City," he asserted. "It's been a perfect weekend for them. Liverpool and Arsenal have taken points off each other, and City will now feel they have a proper chance."
Neville pointed to City's proven track record in relentless spring title charges, suggesting the psychological blow of dropping points at home gives Pep Guardiola's side a significant upper hand.
Keane's Counter: A Blow for Both
Roy Keane, however, immediately challenged his former teammate's narrative. Disagreeing fundamentally, Keane argued that neither Merseyside nor North London would be celebrating. "I don't think you can say that," he retorted. "I think both teams will be hugely disappointed. Liverpool at home, you'd expect them to go on and win the game. Arsenal will be disappointed they didn't see it out after a great start."
Keane emphasised the palpable sense of a missed opportunity for both clubs to land a decisive blow in the three-way fight for the crown.
A Tale of Two Halves at Anfield
The on-pitch action mirrored the pundits' conflict. Arsenal flew out of the traps, dominating the early exchanges and deservedly taking the lead through Gabriel Magalhães. The second half, however, was a different story entirely as a revitalised Liverpool, driven by a raucous home crowd, laid siege to the Arsenal goal.
Despite relentless pressure and a string of chances, the Reds could only find the net once through their Egyptian talisman, leaving both sets of players to rue what might have been at the final whistle.
With Manchester City now possessing games in hand, the destiny of the trophy is once again in their hands. This result sets up a tantalising second half of the season, ensuring every kick until May will be analysed with the same intensity as Neville and Keane's post-match showdown.
