- Gary Neville has called on Arsenal to ‘show they can beat Man City’
- Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for their crucial clash
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Gary Neville has warned Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players, urging them to seize the moment against Manchester City on Sunday and show they are the team that can beat Pep Guardiola’s title machine.
Arsenal have failed to dethrone City for the Premier League title in the past two seasons, despite beating the champions 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium last season and then drawing 0-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Neville said that this result was ‘not good enough’.
Some have questioned whether Arsenal can win the Premier League this season, with Neville’s Sky Sport co-host Jamie Carragher backing Man City to win their fifth consecutive title during a recent episode of Monday Night Football. However, Neville had insisted that this could be the season that Arteta’s side break their dominance.
Writing a column in a newsletter for The Overlap, offered by Sky BettingNeville stressed the Gunners needed to make a ‘statement’ in Sunday’s match to show they are the team that can outshine City this season.
“If this fantastic Arsenal team don’t win the Premier League or the Champions League they can forget about the history books,” the former defender wrote.
Gary Neville has called on Arsenal to win the Premier League or they will be ‘forgotten in history’
Mikel Arteta’s team have failed miserably to beat City in the Premier League title race over the past two seasons
The Gunners face a huge showdown with their title rivals Manchester City this weekend
‘That’s harsh, but it’s the reality of elite sport. No one will fondly remember the greatness of William Saliba and Gabriel at the back, the brilliance of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, the extraordinary saves of David Raya or the incision of Bukayo Saka up front. There will be no Netflix documentaries. They will never be celebrated or admired. They will be dismissed as almost-men.’
He added: “History is unforgiving of those who fall just short. And that’s why, despite all the excellent work they’ve done over the last two years, there’s still a step to take. It’s too early in the season to describe Sunday’s clash with Manchester City at the Etihad as a title decider.
‘Still, Arsenal need a statement win because they want to damage Manchester City and show themselves that they are the team of the moment.’
The Gunners can also overtake Guardiola’s Cityzens and go top of the Premier League with a win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. They will no doubt be keen for a good result after failing to secure victory against Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday night.
Neville said ‘Arsenal have to show they are the only team who can beat Man City’
Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over rivals Tottenham last weekend, thanks to a header from Gabriel (centre)
Despite this, Arsenal are unbeaten in all competitions at the start of the 2024-25 season, having only dropped points in their opening four league games against Brighton.
On Sunday they will probably have to do without a number of players, including captain Odegaard, who is out indefinitely with an ankle ligament injury.
According to reports from City, it will also ‘have to do without Kevin De Bruyne’ The Mirrorwhich could soften the blow of Odegaard’s absence somewhat for Arteta.
However, Neville urged Arsenal to ‘be brave’ and praised the quality of players the Gunners have in their squad.
“They need a change of mentality where it’s not enough to just hold their own. They’re nearly there. They’re such a good team and Saliba and Gabriel are fast becoming one of the best Premier League partnerships ever,” Neville said.
Arsenal are undefeated this season but drew 0-0 with Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday.
Man City were also held to a goalless draw by Internazionale in the Champions League on Wednesday evening
‘I am blown away by the quality of Arsenal’s defensive structure. Last weekend against Spurs their overall performance was poor for their high standards. But as a controlled performance, with key players missing, it was excellent.’
Neville added that Arsenal ‘need to show that they are the team that can beat City. To show that they are capable of being dominant in this game. They need to believe that this is their time, this is their moment.’