Gary Neville has made a bold Premier League title prediction after Liverpool and Manchester City endured difficult starts to the new season
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 03, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Gary Neville has shared his title verdict as the first round of Premier League fixtures nears its end(Image: Getty Images)
Pundit Gary Neville has made a bold title prediction following a difficult opening weekend for the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, but admits it could leave him with 'egg on his face' come May.
The Reds, in particular, fought back to claim a last-gasp 2-2 draw away at Newcastle United. Andoni Iraola's side twice went behind to goals scored on the counterattack, but just about managed to evade defeat with an equalizer scored from the penalty spot deep in stoppage time.
City, meanwhile, did claim a victory at home to Bournemouth. But it was a far from straightforward win for Enzo Maresca's side as it trailed for at least an hour following a goal from Marcus Tavernier, before a dramatic stoppage-time winner ensured City claimed all three points.
Neville's beloved Manchester United suffered a dismal defeat away at Hull City on Saturday afternoon. Other potential challengers, including Aston Villa and Tottenham, were also easily beaten over the weekend.
Arsenal, meanwhile, looked the most comfortable as it kicked off the action with a straightforward 3-0 triumph over newly promoted Coventry City on Friday night. Chelsea, who Neville believes could be Arsenal's closest contender for the title this season, is not in action until Monday night when it takes on Fulham at Craven Cottage.
"Last week when we were previewing the season all I kept thinking was this is going to be the most unpredictable season and it’s going to be intriguing," Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast after Liverpool's draw at Newcastle. "We’ve got new managers, lots of new players and so much change at the top.
"We’ve seen Tottenham get beaten, Man United lose, Liverpool nearly lose, Man City scrambling for a win at home. The unpredictable nature we thought we’d see at the top we have seen on this opening weekend. It’s played out pretty much how I thought it would do.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool scores their equalizing goal from the penalty spot
Dominik Szoboszlai scored the equalizing penalty against Newcastle United(Image: Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
"Arsenal are going to be feeling really confident right now. It’s the most sure I’ve ever been - and look, I could have egg on my face come the end of the season – but it’s the most sure I’ve ever been after game one that we’re going to see a team be Premier League champions.
"I think Chelsea will finish second because of the squad and the lack of European competition and they’ve got a great manager. I do think Chelsea have a great chance to push Arsenal this year and finish second."
Liverpool has an opportunity to put things right next weekend when it hosts Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Man City has a tricky away test at Crystal Palace, while Arsenal faces Aston Villa away, but will take confidence from the manner in which the Midlands club was dismantled by Brighton on Sunday.
United hosts Ipswich Town, while Chelsea will be in action against Brighton. Spurs, who are hoping for a far more positive season under Roberto De Zerbi, are at home to Newcastle.