Gary Neville has reminded Arsenal they have the chance to ‘win the Premier League’ by beating Manchester City next weekend after their title rivals brushed aside Chelsea.
The Gunners, without a league title since 2004, had the chance to move 12 points clear at the top of the table as they welcomed Bournemouth to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
But Mikel Arteta’s side produced another underwhelming display, suffering their third defeat in four games to give Man City more hope in the title race.
Pep Guardiola’s team still had to respond by securing three points against Champions League-chasing Chelsea and made light work of the Club World Cup champions, winning 3-0 in a statement win at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea kept Man City at bay in a cagey first half but were blown away after the break, with Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku scoring in an impressive victory.
City’s win at Chelsea means they will trail Arsenal in the title race by just six points when they meet at the Etihad Stadium next weekend.
Neville says the spotlight will be on Arsenal throughout the week but has reminded Arteta’s team they have the opportunity to essentially clinch the title by winning at the Etihad.
Asked whether Man City’s win over Chelsea was another ‘punch in the gut’ for Arsenal following their defeat to Bournemouth, Neville said on Sky Sports ‘You’re right but they would have expected Man City to win this football game.
‘Arsenal have to concentrate on what they’re going to do to Man City next Sunday. 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.’
Neville added: ‘It just feels like Man City are starting to purr at the right time.
‘We’re in the home straight now, the period when every game really does matter, and this team know that more than most.
‘The message they’ve sent to arsenal is not only that they’ve won and won well but also that they’re playing with confidence and they’ve got a bit or arrogance about them.
‘They’re in a real title race now and they’re breathing down the neck of Arsenal.’
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, meanwhile, described next week’s clash between the title rivals as ‘humungous’.
‘It’s on now,’ Richards said. ‘They have got the win. Now next week is humungous. I cannot wait!
‘The fans believe and they have not stopped believing, the away fans are brilliant. I’m not saying they are going to go and win it but they have given themselves a chance and that’s all they can do.’
Gabriel Martinelli scored an injury-time equaliser as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester City in the reverse fixture back in September.
Guardiola and Arteta went head-to-head in last month’s Carabao Cup final, with Man City beating the Gunners 2-0 to win the first trophy of the season.
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