“West Ham not worthy to be feared this season?” – Former Man Utd Star player warns Pep Guardiola about one team in the EPL, says Man City now have a ‘SERIOUS’ Challenger this season.

Former Manchester United defender and football pundit, Gary Neville, has described Arsenal as a “serious contender” for the Premier League title this season. His comments came following Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, which further solidified their status as one of the top teams vying for the championship.

Neville, speaking during his regular Sky Sports analysis, acknowledged that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side has grown significantly stronger, showing determination and consistency over their first few matches of the 2024/2025 campaign. Arsenal’s win over their North London rivals propelled them to second place on the Premier League table, just behind Manchester City, with 10 points from four matches.

Arteta’s Ambition: A Premier League Title

Neville pointed out that the Gunners have not only been playing well but are now set on a clear mission: winning the Premier League. This has become even more apparent after Mikel Arteta signed a new three-year contract, committing himself to the club until 2027.

“Arteta has signed a new three-year deal with one clear target – to win a Premier League title,” Neville remarked. “That’s not just the expectation of him, but also of the players, the fans, and the boardroom. This progression they’re on has to result in something substantial, and this is the year where they want to end it with a league medal around their necks.”

Arsenal’s Progression Over the Years

The journey of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta has been one of steady progress. After winning the FA Cup in his first season in charge in 2020, Arteta has gradually built a team capable of competing at the highest level of English football. Last season, they narrowly missed out on the title, finishing second behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. However, with the squad improvements and a more determined attitude, they seem better equipped this season.

Neville emphasized that Arsenal’s consistency over the past few seasons is finally paying off, and the club’s investment in young talent and key signings has led them to become genuine title contenders.

“The progression they’ve made is remarkable,” Neville continued. “They’re stronger, more resilient, and have a clear sense of purpose. They know they’re in the mix now, and they’ve got a real shot at challenging City for the title.”

Manchester City’s Dominance and Arsenal’s Challenge

Over the last few seasons, Manchester City has been the dominant force in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola. City has won four of the last five Premier League titles, showcasing a level of consistency and tactical brilliance unmatched by any other team in the league.

However, Neville believes that City may face their toughest challenge yet with Arsenal emerging as a serious contender. While acknowledging City’s incredible achievements, he noted that Guardiola’s side will be wary of Arsenal’s growth and the threat they pose.

“What Guardiola and Manchester City have achieved over the last few years is incredible,” Neville said. “But they know they’ve got a serious contender in Arsenal. This isn’t the same Arsenal team from two or three years ago; they’re ready to fight for the title.”

Arsenal’s Squad Depth and Key Signings

One of the key factors contributing to Arsenal’s potential title push is their improved squad depth. Over the summer transfer window, Arsenal made crucial signings to strengthen their team, including the acquisition of experienced players and emerging talents.

Declan Rice, Arsenal’s marquee signing from West Ham United, has been a standout performer so far, bringing leadership and stability to the midfield. His presence, alongside established players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus, has given the team a solid foundation.

Gary Neville highlighted Rice’s influence on the team, noting how his ability to control the midfield and break up opposition attacks has made Arsenal more balanced.

“Declan Rice has been a game-changer for Arsenal,” Neville said. “He’s added something that they’ve been missing – that physical presence and leadership in the midfield. He’s one of the reasons why Arsenal are a more complete team this season.”

Additionally, the continued development of young players such as Saka and Ødegaard has further solidified Arsenal’s attacking options. These players have proven to be crucial in key matches, including their victory over Tottenham.

The Upcoming Fixtures: A True Test for Arsenal

Despite Arsenal’s strong start, Neville cautioned that the real test lies ahead as the season progresses. With matches against top-six rivals and the challenges of competing in multiple competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal will need to maintain their form and avoid injuries to key players.

Neville specifically pointed to Arsenal’s upcoming clash against Manchester City as a critical moment in their campaign. The match will provide a benchmark for where Arsenal stands in comparison to the reigning champions.

“Next Sunday is another time for us to look at Arsenal and assess where they’re at,” Neville commented. “When they go up against City, we’ll get a clearer picture of their title credentials. It’s a huge game, and one that could shape the rest of the season.”

Manchester City’s Perspective: Guarding Their Crown

From Manchester City’s perspective, Pep Guardiola and his players will be well aware of the growing competition. While they have dominated the Premier League for years, the rise of teams like Arsenal adds another layer of pressure to maintain their supremacy.

City’s star-studded squad, including players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden, has the quality and experience needed to defend their title. However, with Arsenal pushing harder than ever and other teams like Liverpool and Chelsea also strengthening, City’s path to another Premier League crown may not be as straightforward as in previous seasons.

Neville believes that City will need to remain focused and cannot afford to slip up against teams like Arsenal if they want to continue their dominance.

“City knows they have competition,” Neville said. “They’re still the team to beat, but the margin for error is getting smaller. Arsenal is right behind them, and it’s going to be a fascinating race to see who comes out on top.”

Conclusion: Arsenal’s Premier League Aspirations

In conclusion, Gary Neville’s assessment of Arsenal as “serious contenders” reflects the growing belief that Mikel Arteta’s side is ready to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title. With a strong squad, key signings like Declan Rice, and the continued development of their young stars, Arsenal has all the tools needed to mount a successful title charge.

While Manchester City remains the team to beat, Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta has added excitement to the 2024/2025 Premier League season. As the competition heats up, football fans can look forward to a thrilling title race that may go down to the wire.

With critical fixtures ahead, particularly their clash with Manchester City, Arsenal will have the opportunity to prove their credentials and establish themselves as genuine title contenders. Whether they can dethrone Guardiola’s City remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Arsenal is back in the conversation for the Premier League crown.