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Former Manchester United player Gary Neville has hailed Arsenal as potentially the best team in the Premier League, following its dramatic comeback victory against Newcastle on Sunday.
The Gunners found themselves trailing after Mikel Merino cancelled out Nick Woltemade's opener in the 84th minute, only for Gabriel Magalhaes to secure a last-gasp winner in the 96th minute. This win propelled Arsenal back into second place in the Premier League standings, narrowing the gap with leaders Liverpool to a mere two points.
Prior to this thrilling turnaround, Mikel Arteta's players seemed destined to face a five-point deficit, especially after reigning champion Liverpool missed the chance to extend its lead on Saturday due to a last-minute defeat at Crystal Palace.
Neville was particularly impressed by Arsenal's resilience at St. James' Park, especially considering the Gunners had lost ground to Arne Slot's side the previous week following a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
The Manchester United legend, who now believes that only Liverpool and Arsenal have a shot at the title this season, issued a warning to the Reds in light of the Gunners' remarkable victory.
"Mikel Arteta has got a brilliant squad," Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast. "He's got a brilliant squad, I think he's got the best squad in the league and maybe the best team in the league, and I say that quietly because Liverpool are excellent.
"There's only two teams who can win this league – Liverpool and Arsenal – I don't think anyone else can.
"So I think it's a big moment. It's only September, and it's ridiculous to be speaking like this as someone who experienced title races.
"But what you've got to do is send out some calling cards and some clear messages that you're there in the title race, and I think that's what Arsenal have done today.
"A week ago the glass was half empty, now it's more than half full.
"Liverpool lose, Arsenal win in stunning fashion.
"They deserve it, they were the better football team. [Arteta] made really good subs, he started with a strong team.
"That will give them huge confidence. You shouldn't have swing weekends this early.
"But the Liverpool players sitting at home watching this will perhaps sink slightly."
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