Neville names major problem that may cost Arsenal the Premier League title

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 29 Dec 2023 13:29 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes that Arsenal have a major problem that could cost Mikel Arteta’s side the Premier League title this season.

The Gunners are currently second in the English top flight table, two points behind leaders Liverpool, and they missed the chance to go top on Thursday night thanks to a 2-0 home defeat against West Ham United.

The faltering form of Manchester City has given hope to Jurgen Klopp and Arteta, but Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland are on the verge of returning to full fitness, meaning slip-ups will be costly as Pep Guardiola’s formidable team prepare to mount another late title charge.

Furthermore, Neville thinks that Arsenal have a glaring problem that could prevent them from winning the league this year.

What is Arsenal’s major problem according to Gary Neville?

The former Man Utd right-back spoke on his Sky Sports podcast - ‘The Gary Neville Podcast’ - and discussed Arsenal’s attacking woes, and why they may fall short again this year.

Gabriel Martinelli has just two goals in the Premier League this season, while Gabriel Jesus has three and Bukayo Saka has five. Those three formed the basis of their success last year, but they haven’t been at their blistering best this time around.

“At Arsenal is an emerging front three that could be great. But they don't combine a lot together," Neville began.

“That's a real problem, the best front threes involve their centre-forwards and the wide players, they play and bounce it off them.”

Neville continued: “You see, in years gone by, [Mohamed] Salah, [Roberto] Firmino and [Sadio] Mane would link between the three of them. At Manchester United, when we were at our best, the front two would link between them.

"It is difficult for defenders to deal with them when front players link. Martinelli, Jesus and Saka, I don't see them linking up a lot.

“I've been talking at the end of many of their games this season about whether Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah are No 1 and No 2 strikers in Premier League title-winning sides. Or whether they are actually No 2 and No 3 strikers and they need that No 1."

"I actually love Jesus,” added Neville. “He's a brilliant player and I would love to play with him. He's got a bit of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez in him, but he hasn't got that instinct in front of goal. Sometimes he's everywhere you don't want him to be.

“When you look at these [Arsenal] three [forwards], not just in terms of goals, they don't combine a lot together in the game. That is going to cost them at some point.

"There have been a lot of times this season where that player [hasn't been] stepping across the front post to tap it in or get a nick on it, they haven't got that sniffer,” the ex-Man Utd star concluded.