Arsenal backed to end 20-year wait for Premier League by Gary Neville despite 'slow' start to the season

The Gunners have made a steady start to their league campaign which sees them placed third in the table after 12 games, level on points with Liverpool in second and just a point behind table toppers Manchester City. Neville believes Arsenal's defensive strength, bolstered midfield, and impressive wide players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be key to their title ambitions and insisted that they would continue to flourish at the business end of the season, unlike last campaign, when they capitulated under pressure which saw Pep Guardiola's men run away with the championship.

"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 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].

"But I do think that when the football comes, and it could come after Christmas in March which is the right time, they could be the opposite of last season – a bit of a slow start and stronger finish."

However, Neville is concerned about the central striking position, advocating for the recruitment of a top-class striker. He is not convinced with Eddie Nketiah's performance in the Premier League amid fitness concerns of Gabriel Jesus.

"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," he said.

Arsenal will be back in action against Brentford on November 25 at the Gtech Community Stadium in a Premier League fixture.