Arsenal Face Uphill Battle as Manchester City Close the Gap

Gary Neville believes Arsenal must find an emotional balance ahead of their crucial Premier League title showdown with Manchester City. The Gunners' 2-1 loss to Bournemouth has opened the door for Manchester City to close the gap, and Neville thinks Arsenal must 'swim against the tide' to hold their nerve. With a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon upcoming, Neville believes this game could be beneficial for Arsenal, allowing them to regain confidence before facing Manchester City. However, he warns that Arsenal must not become too desperate, as their desire to win the title could lead to a mental and emotional drain, causing them to appear physically tired. Neville thinks that Arsenal can still win the title, but they must put their loss into perspective and find a way to clear their minds and get the emotional balance correct. He believes that Manchester City will 'ramp it up' for the game, but Arsenal can still come out on top if they can normalise the pressure and feel confident in their abilities.