Former Manchester United and England defender, Gary Neville, has made some bold claims about the current state of the Premier League. He believes that Arsenal now boasts the 'best squad' in the league and may even have a 'better team' than defending champions Liverpool.
Arsenal, who have finished as runners-up for three seasons consecutively, were set to drop points against Newcastle United last Sunday. However, they produced a stunning comeback to win 2-1 after trailing from a first-half header by club-record signing Nick Woltemade.
Substitute Mikel Merino headed home an equalizer before Gabriel scored another header that secured a huge victory for Mikel Arteta’s men. According to Neville, this comeback win was not just a 'big moment' for Arsenal but could also be pivotal in this season’s title race.
Gary Neville, Manchester United legend, said:
‘Mikel Arteta has got a brilliant squad,’
‘He’s got a brilliant squad, I think he’s got the best squad in the league and maybe the best team in the league and I say that quietly because Liverpool are excellent. There’s only two teams who can win this league – Liverpool and Arsenal – I don’t think anyone else can. So I think it’s a big moment. It’s only September and it’s ridiculous to be speaking like this as someone who experienced title races.
‘But what you’ve got to do is send out some calling cards and some clear messages that you’re there in the title race and I think that’s what Arsenal have done today. A week ago the glass was half empty, now it’s more than half full. Liverpool lose, Arsenal win in stunning fashion. They deserve it, they were the better football team. [Arteta] made really good subs, he started with a strong team. That will give them huge confidence. You shouldn’t have swing weekends this early. But the Liverpool players sitting at home watching this will perhaps sink slightly.’
Two-Horse race?
Neville further stated that it has already become clear that only two teams can win the Premier League this season - presumably referring to Liverpool and Arsenal. This comes after current leaders and defending champions Liverpool suffered an unexpected defeat to Crystal Palace earlier during the weekend.
Despite their loss, Liverpool still sits just two points clear of second-placed Arsenal following these weekend results.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these predictions pan out. Whether you're a sports fan or a sports betting enthusiast, this Premier League season promises plenty of excitement and suspense.
