Gary Neville claims Arsenal are ‘FAR more likely to win the league this year’ because Mikel Arteta’s side have combined ‘pretty football with doggedness and resilience’

Gary Neville believes Arsenal are better placed to go all the way in the Premier League this season than last time out after adding a ‘doggedness’ to their attacking play.

The Gunners came within touching distance of a first title in 19 years in 2022-23, leading the way for much of the campaign only to fall away in the final months, with Man City winning a Treble instead.

While there were a number of injury issues – with William Saliba a particularly sorely missed presence at the back – much was attributed to the Gunners’ tactical brittleness. 

However, this season Arsenal have found ways to win when perhaps not at their best, such as against Brentford at the weekend when Kai Havertz sealed the victory late on with a back post header after a largely turgid performance. 

Former England right back Neville believes that this adaptation to the free-flowing attack of last term will ultimately serve the north London side better in their attempts to return to the top of the pile. 

Mikel Arteta’s side have retaken top spot after beating Brentford with Manchester City dropping points

Kai Havertz scored just his second goal of the season despite playing in every game in all competitions to seal victory at Brentford

‘In my opinion this team is far more likely to win the league than last years,’ began the Man United legend on social media. ‘They weren’t capable of playing below par last year and amassing these points. 

‘City were less attractive to watch last year than in previous years but won the treble. I see this with Arsenal this year in regards to the league. Perfect, pretty football is unlikely to win the league unless it’s combined with a doggedness and resilience. 

‘Arsenal are better this year in these areas and the football will come in due course. They have power about them and functionality that makes them a real threat.

‘This could all be tosh but that’s how I’m reading them right now after a third of the season…’

Arsenal have retaken top spot as a result of their win over Brentford, with Man City drawing to Liverpool and Tottenham losing to Aston Villa. 

Havertz netted just his second goal of the season despite featuring in every game of the campaign across all competitions, but Arteta praised the German international’s work-rate and determination after the Brentford clash. 

‘When things come easy you don’t value them,’ said Arteta. ‘If things came easy then he wouldn’t have got the reception he got today with everybody hugging him and telling him how much we love him.

‘He is an example for all of us to do what you have to do when you have difficulties. We could not be happier that a big player like him wins the game.’

The German international arrived at the back post to head home a Bukayo Saka cross in the 86th minute

Arteta ensured the £65m summer signing soaked up the acclaim after the well-earned win

However for Invincible and interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg suggested 2023-24 might not yet be Arsenal’s year, claiming: ‘I think definitely they’re ready to challenge for the title,’ he said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.

‘But the stats here are quite telling and I don’t think they work in their favour,’ he added as he looked at Arsenal’s attacking numbers.

‘I don’t think they actually are that much better (than last season),’ added Jamie Carragher. ‘Because actually we’re talking about a team going from the third-best defence to the best at the moment, and could that make little difference make a difference? Of course. But we’re talking about a team going from almost the second-best attack to sixth.

‘I think if Arsenal continue as they are, I don’t think that can win the league. Because I think so many games are going to the wire, and sometimes that kind of game can go against you. You think about the Ramsdale mistake, the big chance Brentford had in the second half. So those that are 1-0 can easily go 1-0 against you.’

Freddie Ljungberg has doubts about whether Arsenal can win the league this season

Jamie Carragher suggested they are regressing offensively and that games that go down to the wire can easily go against them