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Gary Neville believes Arsenal's best shot at silverware is the Premier League, not the Champions League.
Gary Neville believes Arsenal remain better placed to win the Premier League than the Champions League, despite mounting pressure in both competitions.
Mikel Arteta's side have seen their commanding grip on the title race loosen in recent weeks. What once looked like a potential 12-point cushion has narrowed to a three-point lead over Manchester City, although Arsenal have played one game more.
At the same time, the Gunners are chasing a first European crown and head into a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid this week, still unbeaten in the competition.
Neville, however, expects Arsenal's continental run to end there. Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, he argued that while Arteta must attack every fixture with equal focus, the Premier League represents a more realistic path to silverware.
He said Arsenal's squad has recent experience of going deep in a title race, whereas winning the Champions League demands overcoming elite opposition in a knockout format, something he feels remains a bigger hurdle. Neville added that he does not see Arsenal progressing beyond Atletico, but believes they still have a genuine chance domestically.
Arsenal's 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday briefly sent them back to the top of the table, but Neville was unconvinced by the performance.
He praised their defensive discipline, organisation and relentless work rate, noting that their ability to quickly regain shape and remain compact is a major strength, and one capable of delivering a league title.
But he also questioned their attacking clarity.
Neville said Arsenal lacked freedom and conviction going forward, arguing they were not positive enough in possession and often failed to show a clear attacking identity. He suggested that while their defensive structure deserves respect, greater attacking intent may be needed if they are to finish the season with major honours.
With the title race tightening and Europe now reaching its decisive stage, Arsenal's balance between control and creativity could define their campaign.