‘Big statement from me’: Neville saw something last night that changed his opinion of Liverpool

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Gary Neville is ready to make a ‘big statement’ on Liverpool after their 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday night. The Reds are one point behind Manchester City.

Liverpool picked up a huge win in the title race on Wednesday evening. They went to the Emirates stadium and ended Arsenal’s five-game winning run – and they did it with relative comfort.

Goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino saw out a 2-0 win but it was the lack of chances for Arsenal that really caught the eye here. Mikel Arteta has his side playing very well but the Reds controlled the game, particularly in the second half.

Jurgen Klopp says that’s a conscious decision from the team since early January. They want to focus on being defensively solid first and going from there – the nine consecutive wins suggest it was the right call.

That run forced them right at Manchester City, putting them just a point back with the two teams needing to face one another. That’ll unquestionably be the biggest game of the Premier League season next month.

But who are favourites? That one’s really up for debate but Gary Neville believes – for the first time – that Liverpool have the upper hand.

Gary Neville on Liverpool after Arsenal win

“[Liverpool] are in every competition, you’ve won the Carabao Cup, you’ve got five players up front who can win you any single game,” Neville told Sky Sports. “You’ve got a great back four, you’ve got a great goalkeeper, the experience in midfield in Thiago, Fabinho and Henderson is enormous with Milner and obviously others to come in.

“So there’s a lot to say that Liverpool could be, for the first time, be favourites I think for the title.

“And that’s a big statement from me because I’ve said Manchester City all the way through, but what I saw on Monday night [Crystal Palace 0-0 City] has just happened a couple of times this season, not too many.”

It is a big statement – City still have the lead here. They don’t actually need to win at home against Liverpool and a draw would be a huge result for them.

The Reds, on the other hand, need to win at the Etihad. But perhaps recent form suggests a draw would be okay for Liverpool, too. They’re simply not dropping points and look utterly relentless. Until we know how that game against City goes, though, we’re not comfortable with the ‘favourites’ tag.

Let’s see what happens on April 10th.