Eight-time Premier League champion Gary Neville suggested the spring will be the real test of Arsenal's mettle as Premier League title contenders.
The Gunners have raced into a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table as the season approaches its halfway mark. Mikel Arteta's men have won 14 of their 17 league games, with Neville's former club Manchester United the only opponents to beat them.
Arsenal missed a chance to temporarily move 10 points clear of reigning champions Manchester City as Newcastle held them to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Even before that game, though, Neville suggested the real test for Arteta and his team will come later in the season.
“They’ve done brilliantly already this season. I’m at their next three games and I can’t wait for them, they’re going to be absolutely brilliant to see," Neville said on Sky before Arsenal kicked off against Newcastle. "But they’ll want those tests and I think they will come through those tests - I don’t think they’ll have a problem at this point of the season.
“I think where it will get really rocky for them and where they will be put to the test is if they’re six or seven points clear going into March…that’s when the pressure will be on. And you think you’re close to the line in February or March? You’re miles away from the line.
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“To say we’re even talking about the title now? We’re nowhere near title talk. You wouldn’t even be near that in February or March. It’s in April and May where you start and get in.
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Arsenal had reason to expect a tough test as they welcomed Eddie Howe's Magpies to the Emirates Stadium. Newcastle had also only lost one league game all season going into the meeting, and also boast the Premier League's best defensive record.
They had their chances in a stop-start game, while Arteta felt his team was denied two clear-cut penalties. Ultimately, though, they had to settle for a point going into a massive North London Derby away to Spurs.
After missing out on Champions League football on the final day of last season, the Gunners are still on track for a much-improved finish. Having opened up this lead, though, there are still some who would be disappointed if they fail to lift the title.
“At this moment in time, Arsenal have just got to relax," Neville added. "Mikel Arteta is doing a fabulous job, he’s going to relax them. He has that experience, he’s been with Pep Guardiola and so from that point of view, it will help.
“I think Arsenal will be OK, but a great season for Arsenal will be to finish in the top three. That would be a sensational season.”
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