Gary Neville: Arsenal Must Win Premier League Or Champions League To Cement Legacy.
Gary Neville has issued a stark assessment of Arsenal’s current squad, stating that unless they win either the Premier League or the Champions League, they will not be remembered in football history. Speaking on Arsenal’s rise over the past two years, Neville highlighted the brilliance of players like William Saliba, Gabriel, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, David Raya, and Bukayo Saka, but warned that their efforts will be forgotten if they fall short of securing major silverware.
In his comments, Neville stressed the harsh realities of elite sport, noting that history only remembers winners. “No one will fondly recall the magnificence of William Saliba and Gabriel at the back, the brilliance of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, David Raya’s extraordinary saves or the incision of Bukayo Saka up front. There will be no Netflix documentaries. They will never be feted or admired. They will be dismissed as nearly men,” he remarked.
Neville emphasised that while Arsenal have shown great progress, there is still a crucial step to take. He pointed to the upcoming clash against Manchester City at the Etihad as an opportunity for Arsenal to make a statement, even though it is too early in the season to call it a title decider. He argued that Arsenal need to prove they can challenge City, both to make a mark on their rivals and to demonstrate to themselves that they are capable of being the “team of the moment.”
With the pressure mounting on Mikel Arteta’s side to deliver, Neville’s comments underscore the fine margins that define football greatness.