2 weeks Ago By Callum Bishop
Gary Neville was shut down by a fellow pundit after claiming that Arsenal had taken some steps backwards from where they were at the start of the season following their 1-1 draw with Brentford at the Emirates. The result leaves the Gunners 10 points off league leaders Liverpool , and boss Mikel Arteta finally admitted after Saturday's draw that the title coming back to the Emirates was 'unlikely' as a result. Should they consolidate that position, it will be the third successive year that Arteta's men finish as runners-up.
However, the margin between first and second looks likely to be greater, as five points separated the top two in the 2022-23 season, while this was cut to just two points in the 2023-24 campaign. And while Neville was quick to criticise, his NBC colleague Robbie Mustoe was quick to fire back at the Manchester United legend's claims. The Gunners are prepared to spend big and it could lead to a very impressive lineup next season Mustoe Fires Back at Neville's Regression Claims When asked about Arsenal's domestic campaign, Neville discussed how, with Manchester City falling off this season, the Gunners should've been primed to swoop in and pick up the title for the first time in over two decades.
Failure to do so, though, was a sign, in Neville's eyes, of regression. "Their league performances have been a big let-down," the 50-year-old claimed. "If Manchester City weren't going to win the league, Arsenal had to be the team that was there waiting.
They're not. They're not even on Liverpool's shoulder. "I think that's a big disappointment.
From where Arsenal have been in the last couple of seasons, you felt they were a team growing in Premier League title races. What's happened this season is that they have gone backwards. From the start of the season, they've gone backwards this season in terms of their recruitment.
They never covered themselves for the likely injury to Havertz, who was their only centre-forward. "Odegaard was another big drop-off. They've lost Edu off the pitch.
I think it's a let-down." Despite the scathing breakdown of Arsenal's campaign, Mustoe was quick to jump to the Gunners' defence and broke down some of the reasons why they have struggled. "I still think they are going to be the second-placed team again for the third season on the trot.
I think the injuries to key players at different parts of the season have to be considered. I know, in terms of recruitment, it's accepted that the front line is the last bit and the most important bit to strengthen. "I find it harder to criticise the team and the way they have played based on the disappointment [the injuries].
Liverpool are the only team to have had very few injuries . Injuries make a difference. When you've got a few injuries, it's hard to keep up the pace.
They do need another striker, but I wouldn't agree that they've regressed." The Spaniard has been in charge for 200 league games now and his numbers compared to the Premier League's greatest ever managers is interesting Arsenal Fans Praise Mustoe Mustoe's response has gone viral on social media, with several fans enjoying his reaction to Neville's comments. One fan stated: "Robbie Mustoe shutting down Gary Neville is the most satisfying thing you will see today," while another added: "Gary Neville got schooled by Robbie Mustoe.
" A third said: "Thank you Robbie Mustoe for making Neville look like an idiot," while a fourth claimed: "This is what happens when you put common sense vs sensationalism. The fact that injuries making an impact on performance needs to be explained puts us truly in the dumbest timeline. Wouldn’t expect Neville back any time soon.
" Others suggested that Neville was frustrated by Mustoe's take, saying: "Look at Neville’s arrogance when he rolls his eyes in exasperation. He’s never had this level of intelligent pushback. I’m glad Robbie Mustoe roasted him.
" Finally, other fans believed that Neville's analysis paled in comparison and was more akin to trolling, with one stating: "You see the difference between Gary Neville trying to push a narrative and Robbie giving actual analysis," while another claiming: "Neville really is a troll in every sense of the word, a few days ago we beat and outplayed Real Madrid but apparently we have regressed?".
