28 November 2023 , 10:40
1111
0
Gary Neville has disagreed with Jamie Carragher's assessment of Arsenal as title challengers and believes they can win the Premier League.
The Gunners went top on Saturday night after beating Brentford late on as they look to go one better than last season. Mikel Arteta's side sat first for much of the campaign but a late collapse saw Manchester City swoop in en route to winning the treble.
Arsenal have played in a different style this term, which is underlined by their statistics. Last season they were a free-flowing outfit who scored plenty but were not the toughest defensively. That has now changed with Arteta's side having the meanest defence in the league.
Their attack has dropped off though and Carragher claimed on Sky Sports: "We're still only a third of the way through the season, I think if Arsenal continue how they are, they can't win the league. So many games go to the wire, but those games can easily go against you."
Neville though believes Arsenal's new look is far more likely to deliver the title than their eye-catching displays from last year. He cited City's change in style last term which made them less easy on the eye, but ultimately delivered the three most desirable trophies.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
The ex-Manchester United star said on the Gunners: "In my opinion, this team is far more likely to win the league than last year's. They weren’t capable of playing below par last year and amassing these points. City were less attractive to watch last year than in previous years but won the treble. I see this with Arsenal this year in regards to the league.
Arsenal's win on Saturday took them to the top of the league (PA)"Perfect, pretty football is unlikely to win the league unless it’s combined with doggedness and resilience. Arsenal are better this year in these areas and the football will come in due course. They have power about them and functionality that makes them a real threat. This could all be tosh but that’s how I’m reading them right now after a third of the season.."
Neville backed Arsenal to win the Premier League in his pre-season predictions and has stood by that thus far. City are going for an unprecedented fourth successive title and remain very much in the mix, but have already lost to the Gunners this term and sit a point behind their rivals.