Eight-time Premier League winner Gary Neville has made a prediction on the division's title race with Arsenal holding just a two point cushion heading into Christmas
Gary Neville
Gary Neville had his say on the title race(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Gary Neville believes it is a two-horse race for the Premier League title and has ruled Aston Villa out of contention. Unai Emery's side are just three points behind Arsenal after 17 matches, but ex-Manchester United star Neville is unconvinced they are capable of pushing on for top spot.
Unai Emery's side have won seven Premier League matches in a row, including against Mikel Arteta's Gunners. But Neville reckons that Arsenal, on this occasion, will convert being top at Christmas into a title.
The ex-Valencia boss unsurprisingly claims that Manchester City will pose the biggest threat to the north London side, in their pursuit of glory. Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland are 'very special' and will ensure Arsenal face a significant challenge.
But, even then, Neville reckons an injury to Declan Rice could prove more problematic in the second half of the season. The 50-year-old has suggested Arsenal's ability to maintain their form in April and May will also prove crucial.
"I’m drawing a line beneath the top two," Neville said after Villa beat Manchester United. "Aston Villa are there and should be respected but they’re not going to win the league.
"I would be amazed if that happened. A lot would have to go wrong for Arsenal and Man City for Aston Villa to win the league.
"The league is bizarre, I mean not the top two, but beneath it. You’re not quite sure what to make of the other teams.
"Man City are obviously [very good]. They’ve got Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola, someone very special on the pitch and someone very special on the bench.
Unai Emery
Gary Neviile doesn't believe Unai Emery's side will challenge
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"That’s the biggest threat to Arsenal other than them getting injuries to [Declan] Rice and a couple of other players. I wouldn’t be too worried about Arsenal scraping through a few games, that’s going to happen at some point in this season.
"They weren’t great at Everton but were they ever going to be amazing there? I think they’re in a good position.
"What’s going to be really interesting is how they handle it once they get to March, April, May. That’s going to be really interesting.
"But I actually feel like they’re going to extend their lead in February and March and get a five or six-point cushion again. I think it’s their year even though they’re getting closed down a bit.
"I might be embarrassed because I know City fans are getting confident and think they’re close and Arsenal will bottle it. "But I’m not sure that will happen this time."
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