Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville agree on Arsenal role in title fight with Liverpool

Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal’s win over Newcastle will have given the Gunners title hopes a massive boost.

But the six-time Premier League winner insists it remains champions Liverpool, rather than Mikel Arteta’s men, who are the team to beat in this season’s title race - a similar feeling to that of his long-time former team-mate, Gary Neville.

Title holders Liverpool fell to their first Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday, ex-Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah’s 97th minute strike securing victory for Crystal Palace and downing Arne Slot’s side as their perfect start to the campaign came to an end.

Just over 24 hours later, Arsenal, runners up in each of the last three seasons, took advantage, with Gabriel’s injury time winner at Newcastle earning the North London side a hard-fought comeback win on Tyneside.

The results leave Liverpool just two points clear of Arsenal after six games - with the Gunners now in fact narrow title favourites with some bookmakers. However, that’s not something ex-Manchester United and England star Ferdinand agrees with.

“This was a massive, massive shift in mindset and belief” said Ferdinand of Arsenal’s comeback win at Newcastle.

“They answered a lot of the critics out there. To go to Newcastle and win is huge because if they draw that game or lose that game questions would be asked. I’m not saying they will win the league but there’s moments in the season that you draw inspiration from. Newcastle isn’t an easy place to go.

“That game means so much to that team because there was so much riding on it, they had to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points.

“Liverpool are the team to beat. They are. They’re the champions, they have the most experience, you’ve got to watch them. They’re the team everyone will have to chase."

It is a sentiment which Neville also believes - having made it clear that Liverpool and Arsenal are the only sides who can win the title, writing off Manchester City’s chances.

“Mikel Arteta has got a brilliant squad,’ Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast after watching at St James’ Park.

“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.”

After losing to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Liverpool are back in London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend. Arsenal meanwhile host West Ham at the Emirates.

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