Bacary Sagna has hit back at Gary Neville's claim that Manchester United will finish above Arsenal.
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League after winning 15 of their 18 games to establish an eight-point lead. Their impressive form has come as a surprise to many, but they have certainly marked themselves out as clear title contenders.
United, meanwhile, are the only side to beat Arsenal this term and have hit an impressive run themselves. Their statement win over Manchester City last weekend was their fifth in a row in the league and saw them close to within one point of their neighbours, leaving them nine points off the top.
Despite Arsenal's commanding lead at the summit, Neville claimed City's ability to put a winning run together will still see them claim the title. He also forecast a difficult period for the Gunners, which would open the door for his former side to pip them to second place.
"No (Arsenal will not win the league)," Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast. "But I said Leicester wouldn't win the league. They won't win the league. Manchester City will win the league and I think Man United will finish second, and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans!
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"The reality of it is, I think at some point Man City will hit a run. Once they do, they've got to play Arsenal twice. If Erling Haaland starts to kick on, if City start to purr, if the defence starts to shore up a bit more than it has done, and they need Ruben Dias back if they can, I think City will win it.
"At some point, there will be a very difficult period for Arsenal this season. Is it conceivable that Arsenal are going to continue as they are? I don't think it is."
Sagna has taken quite the different view to Neville. He believes his former side have set the benchmark this term, citing their consistency as a major plus. As a result, he cannot see the Red Devils overturning their points deficit to Arsenal in the second half of the season.
He told FindMyCasino : "That is his (Neville's) opinion. He has his own point of view, but there is a difference between his point of view and what I believe will become reality. This season, Arsenal have been the best, most consistent team. They have two important games coming up: United and City.
"I don’t see United finishing in front of Arsenal. They are doing better than previous years but Arsenal are better and have been the best team all season - Pep (Guardiola) will agree with that."
United will travel to north London this weekend, with the game potentially having huge ramifications. A win for the visitors will underline their title charge, but defeat could all but end their hopes.
