Gary Neville says Arsenal must approach fixture with the proper mentality but Wayne Rooney says City’s experience could prove decisive
The Premier League title race could all come down to Sunday’s meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, and Gary Neville has urged the north London side to seize the moment.
City closed the gap on leaders Arsenal after their heavy defeat of Chelsea, capitalising on Arsenal’s home loss against Bournemouth. Arsenal sit on 70 points from 32 matches, while Manchester City are six points behind with a game in hand.
Arsenal have suffered serious banter on social media but Neville believes the narrative can quickly change if Arsenal win in Manchester.
“Arsenal have to concentrate on what they’re going to do to Man City next Sunday,” Neville told Sky Sports. “Arsenal can win the league next weekend – that won’t be a popular narrative this week but that’s the fact of it.
“Everyone is thinking City will get to within three points but if you’re Arsenal you can win your first title in 22 years next week. That’s how they should look at it.
“We’ve got an enormous game next weekend, a game that will define the Premier League season. Manchester City are smelling blood and have a free week to prepare for a monstrous clash.”
Widespread doubt over Arsenal’s chances is not without reason. The Gunners’ recent results have been abysmal, with defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, City in the League Cup final and Southampton in the FA Cup prompting suggestions that Mikel Arteta’s side are overwhelmed by the pressure of winning.
A win at the Etihad would move Arsenal closer to a first league title since 2004 but their record away to City is a concern. They have not won a league game there in 11 years, although they have managed to draw on their last two visits.
City, meanwhile, have been dominant in April under Pep Guardiola, winning 29 of their last 32 league matches in the month.
Former England forward Wayne Rooney believes City’s experience could prove decisive.
“I think City will have the edge on that, just purely the manager and players they’ve got,” Rooney said on his BBC Sport podcast. “They will be able to stay a little calmer than the Arsenal players.”
