Arsenal celebrate their Christmas Day summit in the 2025/26 Premier League with two points clear of Manchester City after a gritty Everton win. However, the title narrative heats up. Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, Sky Sports stalwarts, now spreads sharply on the news whether Arteta’s Arsenal can hold firm. With Liverpool 10 points adrift and whispers of Pep Guardiola’s potential Etihad exit, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Neville’s Festive Faith in Arsenal
Gary Neville, on his podcast, has flipped the script on past skepticism. Once wary of Arsenal’s resolve, he now claims dominance: “I think coming out of the new year, I feel like going into February, March. Arsenal will extend their lead [to] five or six points.” He also gave news that dismisses bottling fears, declaring, “I’m not sure this Arsenal team will bottle it this time. I feel it’s their year.” For Neville, City’s proximity is a fleeting threat; Arsenal’s maturity will shine through the spring slog.
🗣️ Gary Neville: “If you’re going to win your first Premier League title, it’s not going to be handed to you on a plate. This has to be Arsenal’s year. I’m absolutely convinced of that.”
pic.twitter.com/8Zt9vUOreD
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) December 16, 2025
Carragher’s Echoes of October Doubts
Contrast that with Carragher’s lingering October prognosis, aired on Monday Night Football. The ex-Liverpool skipper foresees cracks: “Arsenal will get nervous in March and April because they haven’t won a league for so long.” He urged City and Liverpool to “stay close” to exploit any wobbles, betting on Arsenal’s 21-year itch to induce paralysis. Even with the Gunners‘ festive form, Carragher sees history repeating—nerves over nous.
🚨🎙️| Jamie Carragher: 🗣️
"The way Arsenal play football can be very boring with sideways pass here and there but the fact that they grind out a win 85% of the time is actually commendable and if they stay put, they might finally win a big trophy this season" pic.twitter.com/wMJ4js9rFS
— Arsenal Rep (@Arsenal_rep1) December 22, 2025
Pundit Clash: Momentum vs. Mind Games
This break underscores the race’s psychological strength. Neville champions Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta, citing their defensive steel and squad depth as antidotes to pressure. Carragher leans on precedent: no Arsenal side has won the league after leading at Christmas since 1948.
The Road Ahead
Yet, as 2026 dawns, the pitch will settle scores. Neville’s optimism fuels hope while Carragher leaves a reminder. For Arsenal, it’s simple: ensure, endure, exalt. The Emirates awaits its crown or heartbreak.
As featured on GoonerNews.com