By Habeeb Kuranga
Manchester United legend, Gary Neville insists Arsenal are not going to win the English Premier League despite their eight points lead at the top of the table.
This came after the Gunners completed the league double over their rivals, Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side defeated Spurs by two goals to nothing. Hugo Lloris’ own goal and Martin Ødegaard’s strike in the first half sealed the victory for Arsenal, who saw off the Lilywhites at their own ground for the first time since 2014.
The victory subsequently opened an eight-point gap between them and Manchester City in the second position.
Neville 46, was initially seen praising Mikel Arteta for the amazing job he has done for Arsenal this season and that he will break the bunch if he wins the EPL this season.
He said on his Podcast: “It’s so difficult for young managers to break that [Antonio] Conte, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Pep] Guardiola, [Jose] Mourinho mould and become one of those super managers. You can’t break them. If Arteta wins the league this season, he breaks into that bunch.
“He’s doing it anyway, because his football is fantastic. But he needs to win that trophy. So, fingers crossed that they do win it, if Man Utd can’t, which I don’t think they can, because I’d rather have that for the Premier League. Man City have won too many titles for me!”
Despite his praise for the Spaniard, the former footballer-turned-pundit, still doesn’t believe Mikel can deliver a first league title for Arsenal since 2004. Citing that a time would come when they (Arsenal) will have a dip in form, which would open the door for their rivals, and that they are still going to face the Cityzens on two occasions. He then backed both Manchester clubs to finish above them.
“They won’t win the league. Manchester City will win the league, and I think Man Utd will finish second, and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans!” he claimed. “I’d rather Arsenal win the league than Man City. I think it would be absolutely sensational for the Premier League.
“I think about watching the Premier League, we’ve seen City sweep up, apart from Liverpool, over the past five years. To think Arsenal could come and win it, it adds to our league, it makes our league great. I’d love Man Utd to win it, but I don’t think that’s going to happen this season.”
