Gary Neville believes the Premier League title race is narrowing, and after Arsenal’s dramatic late comeback against Newcastle, he now sees just two genuine contenders. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Manchester United captain praised Mikel Arteta’s squad depth and suggested Manchester City may not be in the running this season—despite their pedigree and recent success.
Arsenal’s Stunning Comeback Keeps Title Hopes Alive
The Gunners produced one of the most dramatic wins of the season so far, coming from behind to defeat Newcastle United 2-1 at St James’ Park. Former Magpies midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench to level the score after Nick Woltemade’s opener, before Gabriel Magalhaes sealed the three points with a last-gasp header deep into stoppage time.
The win came just a day after Liverpool suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, tightening the gap at the top of the table. Arsenal now sit second, behind Liverpool, while defending champions Manchester City—despite a convincing 4-1 win over Burnley—remain seventh after six rounds of play.
Neville: Only Arsenal and Liverpool Can Win the Title
Though Neville acknowledged all three of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have “cases” to win the title, he ultimately ruled out Pep Guardiola’s side.
“Between Liverpool, Arsenal, and Man City, they all have equal cases to win the Premier League,” Neville said on the Gary Neville Podcast. “But if I had to pick, there’s only two teams I see capable of actually doing it—and that’s Liverpool and Arsenal.”
Neville’s comments may come as a surprise, especially given City’s history of late-season dominance, but he pointed to Arsenal’s strength in depth as a decisive factor.
Arteta’s Arsenal Earns High Praise
“Mikel Arteta has assembled an exceptional squad,” Neville added. “I actually think it’s the best in the league right now—maybe even the best starting XI. I say that quietly because Liverpool are also outstanding, but Arsenal just look so complete.”
He went on to describe the Gunners’ comeback win as a pivotal moment in their campaign.
“That feels absolutely huge—even in September, which sounds odd,” Neville admitted. “This is a team that, a week ago, seemed hesitant to take risks. But today, they threw everything at the game and got the reward. That’s the kind of result that can shape a title challenge.”
Psychological Edge Over Liverpool?
Neville also suggested the late Arsenal win may have dented Liverpool’s momentum—at least psychologically.
“Those Liverpool players, watching from home, will have felt that,” he said. “That kind of comeback sends a message.”
