Manchester United icon, Gary Neville, has pointed out a potential obstacle to Arsenal’s title pursuit this season.
The Gunners established a six-point lead at the top of the standings with a decisive 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday.
Viktor Gyokeres provided the Gunners with an early advantage at the Emirates Stadium and netted again just before half-time after Bukayo Saka had increased Arsenal’s lead.
Mikel Arteta’s team was unable to enhance their goal difference further in the second half, but the comfortable win still intensified the pressure on title contenders, Manchester City.
Man City has two matches in hand to attempt to narrow the gap on title leaders Arsenal, with the first being a potentially challenging away fixture against Everton on Monday night.
Neville anticipates that Pep Guardiola’s squad will diminish Arsenal’s lead at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and he notes that all attention will then shift to the Gunners and their London derby against West Ham over the weekend.
Arsenal currently sits 17 places and an impressive 40 points ahead of West Ham in the Premier League; however, the Hammers have shown improvement in recent months, enhancing their chances of survival.
“I observed Arsenal last night, and while disappointed may not be the right term, Mikel Arteta might be contemplating that they could have scored a few more and whether they might come to regret that,” Neville remarked on his Sky Sports podcast.
“However, he will be pleased with the victory and must remind the players to capitalize on their opportunities and be clinical and ruthless. Those are the messages he will likely convey.
“They cannot afford to become complacent in matches; they need to maintain their momentum. I believe Man City will triumph over Everton, but it would be truly remarkable if they were to drop points there; it would be astonishing.
“I do not expect that to occur. This is a crucial week because I think the match where Arsenal is most likely to drop points is against West Ham away.
“That is the match they should be most wary of. It is a challenging one since West Ham is battling for their survival and requires the points.”