Gary Neville is convinced Arsenal CAN win the Premier League title this season despite their ‘slow start’ – but admits the one concern he has with Mikel Arteta’s side
- Arsenal have made a steady start to the Premier League campaign and sit third
- Despite positive results, Gunners are yet to produce performances of last term
- It’s a three-team title race… Toney could lead Arsenal to glory: It’s All Kicking Off
Gary Neville believes that Arsenal can win the Premier League this season but he remains worried by the quality of attacking options at their disposal.
The Gunners’ have made a strong start to the season despite failing to replicate last season’s thrilling offensive verve that saw them mount an unlikely title challenge.
Mikel Arteta’s side are third in the table after 12 games, level on points with Liverpool in second and a point behind the leaders Manchester City.
Neville reckons Arsenal fans should not be concerned by their steady start and has tipped the side to recapture their best form as the season reaches its most crucial period.
‘I think that Arsenal can win the league this season.’ He said on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet. ‘Despite starting slow, the football will come, the football that we saw from them last season.
The Gunners got their title challenge back on track with a 3-1 home win against Burnley
Gary Neville believes that Arsenal have what it takes to win the Premier League this season
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‘The fact that they’ve started a little bit slower, I never think is a bad thing, they’re sat there in the pack behind [top].’
The north London outfit boast the joint-best defence in the division, a dominant midfield – bolstered by the £105million acquisition of Declan Rice – and the elite wide combination of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in attack.
However, the central striking area remains a part of the pitch Neville believes could prove costly. The side have managed to get goalscoring contributions from several players including Saka, Trossard and Martin Odegaard.
But with Eddie Nketiah’s uninspiring Premier League tally of five goals and the continued fitness concerns of Gabriel Jesus, the former Manchester United defender called on Arteta to recruit a top marksman.
‘My worry with Arsenal is a centre-forward, I like [Gabriel] Jesus and [Eddie] Nketiah but for me they are a number two and three, they need a number one.’
The Gunners have been reported to be one of the sides keeping tabs on Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is currently serving an eight month suspension after pleading guilty to 232 of the 262 betting charges brought against him by the FA last year.
Toney has shown himself to be a reliable finisher in the Premier League and will be available for selection in January.
Neville added: ‘But I do think that when the football comes, and it could come after Christmas at March which is the right time, they could be the opposite of last season – a bit of a slow start and stronger finish.’
Arsenal continue their title charge against the Bees at the Community Stadium when club action resumes after the international break.
Neville revealed that he is unconvinced with Arsenal’s current central striking options of Eddie Nketiah (left) and Gabriel Jesus (right)
IT’S ALL KICKING OFF!
It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.
It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify
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