Gary Neville says he’s ‘never seen a team make it so difficult for Man City’ as he hails Arsenal’s defensive display in stalemate at the Etihad
- Arsenal drew 0-0 with Man City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon
- The Gunners defended brilliantly and limited City to very few chances
- Forest coach Steven Reid should be given a touchline ban for the rest of the season after his disgusting tirade towards a referee – Listen to It all starts
Gary Neville says he has never seen a team make it as difficult for Manchester City as Arsenal did on Sunday afternoon.
The title contenders played out a relatively uneventful 0-0 draw at the Etihad, allowing Liverpool to take a two-point lead at the top.
It was the first time the champions have failed to score at home in 57 games, with the Gunners defending brilliantly on the day.
After the match, Sky Sports pundit Neville said: ‘I just think Arsenal made it so difficult for them.
‘I have never seen a team make it so difficult for Manchester City in the final third. There didn’t seem to be any spaces. The way Arsenal defended was quite unique.”
Gary Neville says he has never seen a team make it as difficult for Manchester City as Arsenal
‘Last year it was suggested that without William Saliba they would have suffered damage, and that has been proven today.
“Saliba was huge, there’s no doubt about that. So was Gabriel.
“The two centre-backs were fantastic,” Neville said. “They chased everything away, they really tackled Haaland. It was a classic, old-fashioned tactic.
“Everyone has a plan for the game, but when you come to Man City you know at the end of the day you have to defend,” he said.
‘The players said they didn’t intend to play so deep in the second half, but Man City forces you back.
Gabriel and William Saliba have done an excellent job dealing with City striker Erling Haaland
“In possession I think Arsenal probably wanted to do a little bit better, but they were chasing the ball for a long time throughout the game. You will get heavy legs.
“They had a few moments. They had two shots on target and City only had one, so Arsenal will be happy.
‘You have to look at City as the home team and their record, it’s a disappointing result for them. You have to give credit to Arsenal.’
