Gary Neville has waxed lyrical about title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool in a glowing verdict that also acted as a dig to Manchester United - and other members of the chasing pack. United suffered an alarming defeat during their latest Premier League fixture at Everton on Saturday afternoon.
It was a result which left their top-four hopes in tatters. Tottenham remain in pole position after watching all three of their rivals - Arsenal, West Ham and United - go down over the course of this matchday.
As for City and Liverpool, meanwhile, they were poised to play out a mouth-watering title showdown at the Etihad Stadium. Before that game, Neville outlined what sets City and Liverpool apart.
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And in that was an apparent nudge towards damning comments the Sky Sports favourite previously made about United. Back in December, Neville launched into a tirade after watching a shocking first-half display against then-relegation-threatened Newcastle.
He said: "They're whinging at each other. They're a bunch of whingebags! A bunch of whingebags. Watch them on that pitch, honestly, arms in the air, complaining about everything! Honestly, they're absolutely shocking out there in that first-half. They got the last manager the sack... Ralf Rangnick is not going to get the sack, he's only had a few weeks with them, but honestly, they'll get a lot of managers the sack, that lot, if they carry on like that."
Switching his analysis to the title contenders on Sunday afternoon, Neville added: "T he fact that they (City and Liverpool) don't make mistakes, these teams and the levels and consistency they have set over the years, it means if one of these teams does win it, it puts them with an incredible chance.
"Exceptional managers who have set a new standard in terms of points and goals scored. The teams are absolutely brilliant. Not superstars, no overinflated egos, humble football players who you don't see on the front pages but are absolutely brilliant week-in, week-out."
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