Gary Lineker claims that Arsenal would not ‘bottle’ the Premier League title even if they get pipped by Manchester City over the final weeks of the season.
The Gunners have seen their lead over the reigning champions cut to just four points after consecutive matches in which they’ve let a two-nil lead slip to Liverpool and West Ham. That has handed the title advantage to Pep Guardiola ’s side who will be in prime position should they win their game in-hand and their key title showdown with the North London side next week.
Given that Arsenal have been leading the standings for every single matchday but three, there have been claims that the Gunners would be bottling the title race should they not claim the trophy at the end of next month. Match of the Day host Lineker has responded to those suggestions though and does not agree.
Replying to a tweet asking if it would be a 'bottle job' should Arsenal not run out victorious, he wrote: “No, if it doesn’t happen it will be because Man City are exceptional.”
That is an opinion that former Man Utd defender Gary Neville would agree with. Speaking after the Gunners had been held at the London Stadium, he claimed it would still be an impressive achievement for them to finish in second given the form of Man City.
As quoted by Sky Sports, he said: “This title race always started at Anfield. Look at the fixtures.
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“But they [Arsenal] would have snapped your hand off to be in this position at the start of the season. Arsenal finishing second would still be an unbelievable season."
His punditry colleagues Roy Keane and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink did not fully agree with that sentiment having been drawn into a passionate argument with the Red Devils’ icon.
Replying to Neville’s suggestion, the Irishman said: "No chance. They’ve been top of the table all season. It would be a terrible season. They’re out of every cup competition. 2-0 up this week, 2-0 up today. It’s a huge disappointment."
Meanwhile, Hasselbaink said: "Everyone will get stronger next year. They might not be in this position. It would be a disaster."
The title race is set to enter another chapter over the next week with the sides facing key fixtures in the fight. Arsenal take on Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, where they will hope to build more of a gap between themselves and their nearest challengers.
Man City take a break from Premier League action this weekend as they take on Sheffield United in their FA Cup semi-final meeting at Wembley. Their next top-flight action is their pivotal clash against the Gunners next Wednesday.
