Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has declared he is "absolutely convinced" that Arsenal will win the Premier League this season, despite issuing a stark warning about their recent performance.
A Dramatic Victory Serves as a Warning
Neville's comments follow Arsenal's dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, December 14th. The match, which Neville described as "very scrappy," saw the league leaders secure a win in extraordinary circumstances.
The Gunners took the lead through a Sam Johnstone own goal, only for Wolves' Tolu Arokodare to equalise in the 90th minute. In a final twist, Yerson Mosquera scored a second own goal for Wolves deep into stoppage time, handing Mikel Arteta's side a crucial three points.
Neville's Verdict on the Title Race
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville analysed the state of the Premier League title race. While acknowledging Aston Villa's impressive form, he pinpointed Arsenal and Manchester City as the two genuine contenders.
"I think that they've come through a challenging set of fixtures," Neville said of Arsenal. "They've got to get a balance right between thinking, 'The victory is the most important thing,' but giving yourself a little bit of a slap around the face... I think it's a little bit of a wake-up moment."
He emphasised the relentless threat posed by defending champions Manchester City, who are currently just two points behind Arsenal. "City have got [Erling] Haaland, they do have Pep [Guardiola] and they have a few more players who've got real experience," Neville stated. "So they're probably smelling a little bit of blood."
Why Arsenal Must Stay Mentally Strong
Despite the pressure from City, Neville's ultimate prediction is clear. "This has to be Arsenal's year, I'm absolutely convinced of that," he asserted. He argued that Arsenal possess the superior squad and stability, having proved themselves over the first months of the season.
However, he warned the Gunners that the path to the title will be fraught with challenges. "If you're going to win your first Premier League title, it's not going to be handed to you on a plate," Neville cautioned. He urged the team to prepare for a gruelling final few months, suggesting they might even lose the lead at some point before recovering.
"Arsenal have got to get themselves mentally right for the next four or five months because it's a huge moment for the club," he concluded. "I still think they'll do it, but they've got to make sure they step up."
Arsenal's next test is a trip to face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, December 20th. The pivotal head-to-head clash with Manchester City is scheduled for April 2026, in what could be a decisive fixture in the championship battle.
