Manchester City have moved back to the top of the Premier League, but the title race is far from settled, says Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.
A narrow 1-0 win away at Burnley was enough to see Manchester City edge above Arsenal on goals scored, with both sides level on points and goal difference.
Erling Haaland’s early strike gave Man City the platform they needed, yet the lack of a second goal left the game hanging longer than Pep Guardiola would have liked.
Former Manchester United defender Neville made it clear on Sky Sports that even though Man City moved back to the top of the Premier League, it does not mean they are in control of the title race.
“It’s a win for Manchester City – but it’s the best win Arsenal could have hoped for,” said Neville.
Pressure shifts back to Arsenal in title race
Arsenal still have two matches before City next play in the league, meaning the momentum can swing again quickly.
Neville stressed the openness of the contest rather than any sense of inevitability.
He explained that Arsenal still have chances to respond quickly and take back control of the race, adding: “It’s all to play for. Arsenal have a home game against Newcastle on Saturday where they can reassert their three-point lead.”
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Small margins could decide title race
Neville also warned that Man City were not at their best, and that could matter in the final run-in.
“It didn’t happen for Manchester City. They will have to play better than that or they will drop points.”
Man City’s experience in closing out seasons under Guardiola is well documented, but performances like this suggest there is still room for disruption.
And yet, despite the unease, Neville highlighted that in a close Premier League title race, it doesn’t matter how convincing the performance is at this stage.
Guardiola simply needed three points at Burnley and Man City delivered.
“But Pep Guardiola knows he had to come away with three points. And he’s done that,” said Neville.
For now, Man City have reclaimed the top spot, but with Arsenal still within touching distance, the title race remains wide open.
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SportJustSport writers