Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester City has sparked debate over whether the Gunners truly believe they can win the Premier League this season.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville didn’t hold back, expressing doubts about Mikel Arteta’s cautious approach during Sunday’s clash at the Emirates.
Late Equaliser Masks Tactical Concerns
Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic late goal salvaged a point for Arsenal, preventing a damaging home defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side.
But Neville, providing commentary for Sky Sports, was frustrated by what he called the team’s “blunt” attacking performance.
“My narrative with Arsenal was thinking, is he going to take the risk? Is he going to send the players the message that ‘I am going for it, I believe in you’?” Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast.
He criticized Arteta’s decisions, including his half-time substitutions, as reactive rather than proactive, leaving Arsenal vulnerable when falling behind.
Defence-First Approach Worries Neville
Neville questioned whether Arteta’s defence-focused game plan is sufficient for a club aiming to break its title drought.
“Winning the league is going to need that edge, that spark, and goals scored.
Arsenal aren’t creating enough chances in these types of games,” he said.
He pointed out that six of the nine goals scored before Sunday had come from set pieces, suggesting the team relies too heavily on structured situations rather than fluid attacking play.
Neville highlighted the talent available to Arteta, naming Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Havertz, Eze, Trossard, Nwaneri, Madueki, and Odegaard.
“That is a collection of brilliant footballers who should be able to create loads of chances. So what’s holding them back?” he asked.
Do Arsenal Truly Believe They Can Win the League?
Neville questioned whether both manager and players genuinely believe they can go all the way this season.
“Does the manager know how to win a league? Does he know how to get the players over the line throughout the season?” Neville reflected, drawing on his experience at Manchester United, where senior players and experienced managers provided the knowledge to clinch titles.
He suggested Arteta should reconsider his starting lineup, noting that players like Eze or Martinelli could offer a more attacking edge.
They’ve got to take the handbrake off,” Neville added.
Jamie Carragher Echoes Concerns About Conservative Approach
Neville’s critique was echoed by fellow pundit Jamie Carragher, who described Arsenal as one of the Premier League’s most talented squads yet criticized their cautious setups in big games.
“Time after time, when it comes to these big games he picks a team that feels like he’s thinking more about the opposition,” Carragher said.
“That is what Mikel Arteta is doing.
If you are Arteta or an Arsenal supporter, you have to hope that does not cost you at the end of the season.”
Both pundits suggest that while Arsenal possess the quality to challenge for the Premier League and possibly the Champions League, fully trusting their attacking instincts may be the key to realizing that potential.