Former midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes is only backing the Gunners to win the title because of his ‘hatred’ for .
The north Londoners are currently tied on points with the champions though sit one place higher in the table courtesy of their higher number of goals scored – though both teams are behind Tottenham, who have 26 points from their opening 10 games.
Despite Arsenal collapsing at the backend of last season in their title tussle with City, Neville has been to go one step further this time around since the start of the season.
Arsenal’s win over City last month only reinforced his opinion, though Petit feels it is a case of wishful thinking form the former Manchester United defender – who is desperate to see City denied – and believes Pep Guardiola’s side will be too strong once again.
‘I like Gary Neville, but I think he’s putting pressure on Arsenal to win the league because he hates Manchester City,’ Petit told this week.
‘I believe that Arsenal will try everything they can to fight until the end, but I still think that, despite their position in the table, this season will be much more difficult than last season.
‘Arsenal are playing Champions League football and that will have an effect on their energy and commitment.
‘The other teams at the top of the table have changed a lot since last season, and Arsenal’s win over Man City gave the impression that the gap is getting smaller.
‘I still believe Arsenal have a chance to win the league, but the main team is still Manchester City.
‘The gap has been reduced, but I’m not sure it’s enough of a margin for Arsenal to go all the way.
‘Look at what’s happened to them at the end of the last two seasons – especially during the last six weeks of the season.
‘Important players have been injured, and when I look at Arsenal’s squad, they’ve improved, but they’re still missing one or two players, especially when the big injuries come.
‘Important players have been injured this season, though, and the Arsenal squad looks better overall compared to last year. Man City will still win the league, I believe. Look at what happened at Old Trafford.
‘The Manchester derby is a huge clash, and City showed how much they enjoy their football. Rodri’s back and he’s the symbol of their team. City always play the same way, and they kill their opponents. Arsenal can reduce the gap, but I think they’re still behind City.’
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