Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Premier League
Neville is not having Arsenal’s paranoia (Picture: Getty Images)
Gary Neville has hit back at ‘pissed off’ Arsenal fans who have accused the Manchester United legend of wanting the Gunners to fall short in their Premier League title bid.
The former England international took his usual place on the gantry for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham with Arsenal thumping their arch-rivals 4-1 for the second time this season.
The game was level at half-time after the Gunners conceded less than a minute after Eberechi Eze’s opener with Declan Rice at fault.
Viktor Gyokeres restored Arsenal’s lead two minutes into the second-half, with Neville urging Mikel Arteta’s side to not ‘over celebrate’ and ‘get back and concentrate on your job.’
Neville’s comments left Arsenal fans on social media rather bemused given the significance of the derby, having also been criticised for his reaction to Manchester City’s stunning fightback against Liverpool earlier this month.
Gunners legend Ian Wright explained on the latest episode of The Overlap he has to defend his pal from accusations he has played down Arsenal’s big moments while in the commentary box.
‘When you listen to Arsenal fans and what they say about Gary, that Gary is desperate for a title challenge, going on about Arsenal at the time,’ Wright said.
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Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Premier League
Gyokeres scored twice in the derby on Sunday (Picture: Getty)
‘I had to protect him! Because if City are doing well Nev still wants a title challenge. Don’t dig out my mate! Just because when Arsenal score [Neville says] “oh, good goal from Arsenal”. Then when someone else scores, it’s “oh what a finish!”’
Looking back to City’s win at Liverpool, Neville reiterated how big a moment that was in the title race – reminding Arsenal fans they went onto drop points in their next two games against Brentford and Wolves having also joked about ‘paranoia’ among the fan base.
And the United legend again insisted he is backing the Londoners to get over the line.
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Wright had to stick up for his mate Neville (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I think Arsenal will win it,’ Neville said.
‘Arsenal fans are pissed off with me because a couple of weeks ago when City scored two in the last 10 minutes at Anfield, they thought I was over celebrating.
‘That was big, and by the way, Arsenal wobbled a bit a couple of days after, so let’s be clear, it was big.’
Neville’s former United teammate Paul Scholes interjected to ask if he would rather Arsenal win the league ahead of City, responding: ‘Of course I would! But everyone wants to see a race. Why would I not want Arsenal to win the league?’
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