“The two best teams in the country” - Gary Neville makes big admission after watching Manchester City vs Arsenal
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has lavished praise on Arsenal and Manchester City after the intense 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Sunday (September 22). The two English clubs have battled for the league in the past couple of seasons, although the Cityzens have come out on top.
As such, there was great excitement ahead of the clash of the titans this weekend. However, it was Manchester City who started the game well, with Erling Haaland giving the home side the lead in the ninth minute. In the process, the Norwegian also registered 100 goals for the Cityzens.
Just when it looked like the reigning champions would assert their dominance in the match, disaster struck Pep Guardiola's team. Rodri picked up a knock and had to be replaced in the 21st minute by Mateo Kovacic.
The momentum shifted to Arsenal, who took the opportunity with both hands. A minute later, new boy Riccardo Calafiori had scored a controversial equalizer, with referee Michael Oliver allowing the Gunners to take a quick free kick.
Gabriel Magalhaes got the better of Kyle Walker in the first minute of injury time to give the north London side a 2-1 lead. However, Leandro Trossard picked up a second yellow just before the end of the half and Arsenal were down to 10 men.
Manchester City threw the kitchen sink at the Gunners after the break, but the away side held firm. The Cityzens' efforts ultimately bore fruit, with John Stones finding the back of the net in the eighth minute of second-half injury time.
The draw ended City's 100% record in the Premier League this season. It also gave Pep Guardiola a timely reminder that the north London side are ready to match them toe to toe this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the end of the game, Neville labeled the Gunners and City as the two best teams in the country.
“The two best teams in the country. Arsenal were so, so close. In a big, big battle today. But the biggest battle is still to come,” said Neville.
Manchester City registered 33 shots on Sunday, compared to Arsenal's five.
Can Arsenal wrestle the Premier League away from Manchester City this season?
Manchester City have won the last four Premier League titles on the trot. The Cityzens have been the team to beat in the past decade, winning the league six times.
However, Arsenal have developed in leaps and bounds under Mikel Arteta in recent seasons. The Gunners narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season and have invested wisely over the summer.
The north London side have won three and registered two draws from their first five games. They could be the biggest threat to Manchester City's title defense this season.