Gary Neville makes “bottled it” Arsenal claim as Newcastle eye Gunners star

24 April 2023 , 03:30

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Arsenal are gearing up for what promises to be the biggest game of their season, against Manchester City on Wednesday.

The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium to face their title rivals after drawing three games in succession, against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton. Their lead is down to five points, while City also have two matches in hand on Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal surrendered two-goal leads against Liverpool and the Hammers before going 2-0 down in 14 minutes against Saints. It has been a poor run for the Gunners, who appear to be showing signs of nerves. They now have six games left in which to try and win a first title since 2004.

Here are the latest headlines from the club.

Neville makes “bottling” claim

Gary Neville believes that Arsenal have “bottled” the title race, but insists they can rectify their mistakes against Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Neville tweeted: “Bottling it is a very negative phrase to level at anyone or any team so can understand why so many stay clear of using it.

“However too much emotion and hurrying things are signs it’s happening. Along with looking leggy, being tense in your play and making simple errors fit the description of bottling it.

"Their [sic] is something else that can happen on this run-in. If you “bottle” it early enough (Arsenal have) you can catch it and snap out of it by telling yourself “what are we worrying about and we’ve nothing to lose now”.

Rooney backs Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale made a poor mistake against Southampton when he passed to Carlos Alcaraz to hand the away side an early lead, but Wayne Rooney thinks he can bounce back.

The ex-Manchester United striker believes Ramsdale has similar characteristics to the great Peter Schmeichel and he has the mentality to inspire his side.

“I’m a big fan of Aaron Ramsdale,” Rooney wrote for The Times. “Despite his slip-up against Southampton, he has made a number of fantastic saves and played with huge presence.

“Normally, with goalkeepers, you want them to have character and presence but you want them to have calmness as well. If you’re going to be as vocal and extrovert as Ramsdale, you have to back it up with your performances, because otherwise, it all looks a bit cocky. Well, he does and he reminds me of Peter Schmeichel.”

Newcastle keen on Tierney

Kieran Tierney could be the subject of interest from Newcastle in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes

The left-back has been stuck behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the Arsenal side this season and the Magpies want to take advantage of his situation. Eddie Howe wants a new left-back, with centre-back Dan Burn filling in there all season, ahead of Matt Targett.

Tierney is valued at £30million by Newcastle, who are reportedly ‘confident’ of landing him.