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Premier League: Arsenal Show Winning Experience - Gary Neville
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Gary Neville believes Arsenal displayed the poise of a Premier League-winning team during their North London derby victory at Tottenham. He added that it was the perfect preparation for next weekend's highly anticipated clash against Manchester City.
Arsenal withstood the pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, securing the win with a header from Gabriel just after the hour mark. The Gunners went into the match without captain Martin Odegaard and key midfielder Declan Rice, yet they maintained their impressive away defensive record ahead of their big showdown with the defending champions, live on Sky Sports next Sunday at 4.30pm.
"They had no Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice—two of their very, very best players—but what they did have going into that game was a very good back four and a very defensive shape and unit. Tottenham never broke that," Neville said.
"That was a team and performance of know-how. Wily, not naive, not immature—it was the opposite of that. It was experienced, mature, and it was what a team who has won multiple titles would play like. Mikel Arteta hasn't won a title yet at Arsenal, but it was a really good performance."
Neville noted that Arsenal had often been criticised over the past decade for being loose and naive, but now they are showing maturity and strength.
"Last year, at Man City away when they drew 0-0, they had everything in terms of defensive compactness—apart from the counter-attacking goal. A few of us observed that when you go and win a title, you win that game. This match was very good preparation for next Sunday; they have to do the same again."
A Blend of Graham and Wenger's Arsenal
Neville continued to praise Arsenal's defensive structure, stating they exhibited a blend of George Graham and Arsene Wenger's Gunners teams. Following the victory, Arteta became the first Arsenal manager to win three consecutive league games at Tottenham since Graham—a feat Wenger never achieved.
"They're not like Pep Guardiola's Man City side, where they always seem to have the ball," he added. "They can sit deep in 4-4-2. The two front players are doing a great job in that unit. I love 4-4-2; it's how we used to defend, how Arsenal historically would have defended."
Neville referenced iconic defenders Steve Bould and Tony Adams, acknowledging that while this Arsenal back five isn't yet at that legendary level due to their lack of league titles, they are starting to show signs of blending the best of both Graham's and Wenger's teams.
"I like this Arsenal team; really good performance levels. I have nothing negative to say about them at all today."
He also refrained from being too harsh on Tottenham, stating, "I genuinely think it was hard work for them to break down that Arsenal team today. Even when you get a cross in, you have two giants in William Saliba and Gabriel who are fighting and harassing and tight. There are no free headers in their box."
"It was a really good day: focus, concentration, discipline, everybody doing their jobs."