Former player Gary Neville has stated that Liverpool and Manchester City are significantly below the required standard to challenge for this season's Premier League title. Neville’s comments follow a turbulent start to the 2026-2027 Premier League season for both clubs, who are now under new management. In the opening round, Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, needing a 92nd-minute goal from Josko Gvardiol. Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool also required a late equalizer, with Dominik Szoboszlai converting a 99th-minute penalty to draw 2-2 against Newcastle.

In stark contrast, Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, began their campaign impressively. The reigning Premier League champions, who ended a 22-year wait for the title last season, crushed newly promoted Coventry City 3-0. A week prior, the "Gunners" also claimed a dominant 3-0 victory in the Community Shield.

Bukayo Saka (left) celebrates with Martin Odegaard in Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Coventry in the first round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 21/8. *Reuters*

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville initially believed this season would be unpredictable due to new coaches, numerous player transfers, and significant changes among the top teams. However, after the first round, he noted that Arsenal's superior strength made the title race seem clearer, suggesting they could win by a significant margin.

Neville acknowledged Liverpool might be content with a point against Newcastle, especially given their late equalizer. Yet, he argued that compared to their standards over the past 5-10 years, the "Reds" have many issues to address. 'Current Liverpool is far from the level of a Premier League championship team. They have much work ahead,' Neville commented. He added, 'Manchester City is also significantly below the necessary level. Losing Rodri is a huge blow.'

Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring Liverpool's 2-2 equalizer against Newcastle at St James' Park, Newcastle, England on 23/8. *AFP*

Neville suggested that Manchester City and Liverpool are being judged against the exceptionally high standards they set for themselves. 'They both achieved nearly 100 points 6, 7 years ago,' the former England defender stated. 'Manchester City won the treble and four Premier League titles, while Liverpool won the title under Jurgen Klopp and then Arne Slot. All these achievements are recent. Therefore, we are evaluating these two clubs by the standards they once established, but they are far from meeting those standards now.'

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur experienced even more disappointing starts. Manchester United suffered a 0-2 defeat away to newly promoted Hull City, and Tottenham endured a 0-3 thrashing by Brentford, despite spending over 300 million USD in the transfer market. Neville remarked, 'That is the unpredictability of the top teams. Perhaps they are not good enough to replicate their performances from last season and the season before, and they can be defeated by well-organized teams like Brentford, Hull, and others.'

Amidst Manchester City and Liverpool's underwhelming form, the 51-year-old former defender believes Chelsea could emerge as Arsenal's main rival in the title race. In the final match of yesterday's round, 'The Blues' secured a 3-2 victory away to Fulham.

Hong Duy (via Sky Sports)