Gary Neville and Roy Keane played down the chances of Arsenal lifting the Premier League trophy in May despite the Gunners moving four points ahead of closest-rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta's side had to dig deep to hold onto a 1-0 lead against Leeds United and emerge victorious from Elland Road thanks to Bukayo Saka's first-half winner. The result means Arsenal have won nine of their 10 league games this season, and many fans are beginning to view them as legitimate candidates for the title.
City were unable to respond to the north Londoners later on Sunday, falling to a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool in which Mohamed Salah scored a sublime second-half goal. Pep Guardiola's defending champions are four points behind Arsenal as a result, but Manchester United legends Neville and Keane still predict they will retain their crown.
After the conclusion of Sunday's action, Neville was asked on Sky Sports whether City will "run away" with the title race and responded: "I still think they will. I don't think today changes it. This is a freak game playing at Anfield and I think, for City, it's the most difficult game they have.
"I still think City will run away with it. I think Arsenal will come back towards Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle. And I think City will just go away. This season is a very different season as well. Post-World Cup, it could be completely different than it is now."
Neville's verdict on how the title race will play out was echoed by his former teammate, although Keane went out of his way to heap praise on Arsenal for their summer recruitment and the way Arteta has brought a "feel-food factor" to Emirates Stadium. The former midfielder also pointed out that the Gunners have benefited from their fair share of "luck", with Patrick Bamford squandering the chance to equalise for Leeds by dragging his penalty wide.
Do you agree with Gary Neville and Roy Keane? Have your say in the comments...
"I still fancy City for the title, yeah," Keane added on Sky Sports. "Arsenal have had a brilliant start to the season but it's obviously a long way to go yet. You wouldn’t bet against Man City, they obviously won the title [last season] and are very, very strong.
"Arsenal have improved, recruitment in the summer [was good]. They've got momentum, the feel-good factor at the club, plenty of energy in the club. And, even today, they're getting bits of luck with the penalty miss today, but you'd have to still fancy City."
City will aim to return to winning ways when they host Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, while Arsenal travel to Southampton on Sunday after a midweek Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven.
