Gary Neville has delivered a scathing verdict on Arsenal's Premier League title credentials, insisting the Gunners "are not ready" for the championship battle despite their dramatic victory over Leeds United.
The Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit didn't hold back in his analysis after watching Mikel Arteta's side survive a major scare at Elland Road. Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 win, but the performance left Neville deeply unconvinced about their ability to sustain a title challenge.
Neville's Brutal Assessment
"They're not going to win the league," Neville declared emphatically. "I don't think they're ready for that yet. What I saw today was a team that's brilliant to watch, but when the pressure really comes on, I'm not sure they've got the resilience within them."
The former England defender pointed to specific moments during the Leeds clash that exposed Arsenal's vulnerabilities. Despite Bukayo Saka's excellent first-half goal, the Gunners faced relentless pressure from Jesse Marsch's side after the break.
Elland Road Examination
Leeds United turned the screw in the second half, creating numerous chances and testing Arsenal's defence repeatedly. Only some wayward finishing and last-ditch defending prevented the home side from equalising.
Neville highlighted how the intimidating atmosphere at Elland Road seemed to affect Arteta's young squad. "When Leeds turned up the heat, Arsenal looked rattled. That's what concerns me about their title credentials," he explained.
Title Race Reality Check
The Sky Sports analyst believes that while Arsenal are playing attractive football and sitting at the top of the table, the real test will come during the gruelling winter months. "The Premier League title race is a marathon, not a sprint," Neville reminded viewers.
He suggested that Manchester City's experience and depth make them favourites, despite Arsenal's impressive start to the season. "City have been here before. They know how to grind out results when they're not playing well. Today showed Arsenal still have lessons to learn in that department."
Arteta's Growing Pains
Neville acknowledged the progress Mikel Arteta has made with his young squad but emphasized that title-winning teams need more than just technical ability. "Mental toughness, game management, handling hostile environments – these are all part of becoming champions," he stated.
The narrow victory moves Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League, but according to Neville, the performance raised more questions than answers about their staying power in the title race.
