He even went as far as saying that Manchester United would finish the season above them. Many called him a hater and other foul names, but Neville stood by his prediction.
“They won’t win the league. Manchester City will win the league, and I think Man Utd will finish second, and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans,” Neville said on his podcast.
“I know Arsenal fans will batter me, as they have been doing for the last four months, I hope you win it! I think for Mikel Arteta, it’s so difficult for young managers to break that [Antonio] Conte, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Pep] Guardiola, [Jose] Mourinho mould and become one of those super managers. You can’t break them.”
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In March 2023, Neville maintained his stance despite Arsenal regaining their lead at the top of the table after a dramatic victory against Villa.
He criticized their “desperate celebrations” and felt it was too early for Arsenal to show so much emotion.
“It’s too much emotion, too early for Arsenal. To be that desperate and to celebrate that much with half the race still to go, it’s not a good thing.”
Neville has won eight Premier League winners’ medals during his time at Old Trafford and knows a thing or two about title races.
His prediction seems to be coming true as Arsenal has now thrown away a two-goal lead against Liverpool and West Ham United, boosting Manchester City’s bid to retain the title.
Bukayo Saka missed a penalty, and West Ham hit back to claim a point, leaving Arsenal with just a four-point lead at the top of the table.
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Despite his ‘doomsday’ prediction for Arsenal, Neville has some advice for the team.
“In a marathon, you’re always going to have difficult moments, you’re going to have ups and downs, you’re going to have injuries, you’re going to miss penalties, you’re going to have your goalkeeper maybe letting in one that he shouldn’t do,” he says.
“Do everything perfectly, you’ve had a great season and win on Friday night. Don’t think of anything else. I’m sure they’ll be good enough to beat Southampton on Friday night but that’s a really important match for them.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can take Neville’s advice and maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Only time will tell if his prediction will come true, but one thing is certain, the race for the Premier League title is far from over, and anything can happen.
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