Gary Neville gives damning Premier League title verdict after just one game

The Gunners were arguably the most impressive top-flight side on the opening weekend of the top-flight sides, having also dispatched Manchester City by the same scoreline in the Community Shield just a week prior.

Mikel Arteta's men are well placed to retain their Premier League title, having ended a two-decade wait to get their hands on the trophy last season, though there's a lot of football to be played between now and then.

The Gunners have bolstered their ranks over the summer and are targeting a deeper run in the Champions League, following their final defeat to PSG.

The permanent acquisitions of Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have installed Arteta's side as firm favourites to clinch the title once more.

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"Last week when we were previewing the season all I kept thinking was this is going to be the most unpredictable season and it's going to be intriguing," Neville said on the Gary Neville Podcast after Newcastle United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at St. James' Park.

"We've got new managers, lots of new players and so much change at the top. Arsenal should win this league by a street.

"We've seen Tottenham get beaten, Man United lose, Liverpool nearly lose, Man City scrambling for a win at home...

"The unpredictable nature we thought we'd see at the top we have seen on this opening weekend. It's played out pretty much how I thought it would do."

While the prediction is a good sign for Arsenal fans, it's a damning verdict for the rest of the Premier League. There remains considerable uncertainty over who will mount a serious title challenge to the Gunners, with Liverpool some distance from the imperious form that secured the championship in 2024/25, having undergone substantial rebuilding at Anfield.

Much the same applies to Manchester City under Enzo Maresca, while Chelsea remain an unknown quantity under Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick's Manchester United were soundly beaten by Hull City.

Andoni Iraola's Liverpool cut an underwhelming figure in their fixture against Newcastle, requiring a late penalty to salvage a point against the Magpies.

Reflecting on Liverpool's prospects this term, Neville said: "They're nowhere near a title-winning team I don't think. The other big thing for Liverpool is they've got Isak and Wirtz who are going to have to start playing soon.

"We've been kind on them two. They need to start delivering and they need to improve."

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