Gary Neville insists Mikel Arteta is on the cusp of breaking into the top bracket of managers with his Arsenal side pushing for the Premier League title.
The Spaniard saw his side complete a double over Tottenham after winning at the home of their neighbours on Sunday. It was Arsenal's 15th win in 18 games as they opened up an eight-point lead at the summit following Manchester City's derby loss 24 hours earlier.
Arteta is now into his third full season as boss and is thriving after being shown patience by the board. His role at the Emirates is his first attempt at being a head coach following his education under Pep Guardiola. The former City No 2 is now showing he can cut it alongside the best.
Neville said on his podcast : "It's so difficult for young managers to break that [Antonio] Conte, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Pep] Guardiola, [Jose] Mourinho mould and become one of those super managers. You can't break them. If Arteta wins the league this season, he breaks into that bunch.
"He's doing it anyway, because his football is fantastic. But he needs to win that trophy. So, fingers crossed that they do win it, if Man Utd can't, which I don't think they can, because I'd rather have that for the Premier League. Man City have won too many titles for me!"
Despite Neville's praise for Arteta, he does not believe that he can deliver a first league title since 2004. Arsenal have failed to mount a meaningful challenge for several years and their efforts this year have come as a surprise to many.
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City were the pick to win another league title, which would've been their third on the bounce. They must still face the Gunners on two occasions and Neville believes they will have a dip in form, which would open the door for their rivals, as he backed both Manchester clubs to finish above them.
"They won't win the league. Manchester City will win the league, and I think Man Utd will finish second, and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans!" he claimed. "I'd rather Arsenal win the league than Man City. I think it would be absolutely sensational for the Premier League.
"I think about watching the Premier League, we've seen City sweep up, apart from Liverpool, over the past five years. To think Arsenal could come and win it, it adds to our league, it makes our league great. I'd love Man Utd to win it, but I don't think that's going to happen this season."
