Gary Neville Steele believes Manchester City will overtake Arsenal for the title

Gary Neville once again passed Manchester City to retain their title despite Arsenal reopening their eight-point lead, but the critic backed Arsenal to win the Premier League if they win at Anfield next weekend.

Defending champions Man City briefly cut Arsenal’s lead to five points by beating Liverpool 4-1 early in the game on Saturday.

Arsenal responded by beating Leeds United by the same scoreline to restore the eight-point lead, although City had a game in hand.

Neville told Sky Sports that Arsenal passed another test by responding to City’s early victory, but he expects to build pressure on Mikel Arterta’s side in their last nine matches.

The former Manchester United defender believes City’s experience could prove decisive in the second round of the title.

Gary Neville still leads Manchester City, the defending champions, to victory over Arsenal for the title

Neville believes the Man City experience could be key as the pressure mounts in the race

However, Neville announced that victory over Liverpool at Anfield on 9 April would result in Arsenal being crowned champions.

“Arsenal are in an incredible position, they have real confidence,” Neville said.

I still think City will because they have more experience, it’s 50/50. I was sure about six weeks ago and thought Arsenal would drop points but I think City will continue to do so.

I wouldn’t put everything at Anfield but if Arsenal go there and win I will say it’s definitely their title, our manager used to say if you win there you win the title.

“Anfield is a terrifying place to go, if they win at Anfield I think they will win it.

I think if City are four points away when they play them, if City play Arsenal on their shoulders, the pressure on their shoulders will be unbearable.

“We’ve been chasing Newcastle and they’ve stumbled badly, Arsenal don’t stumble but they have really tough games when you’re taking your first title to a lot of these guys.”

Neville’s teammate Jamie Redknapp has highlighted Arsenal’s upcoming away matches as key to whether Arteta’s side can claim the title.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been backed by Neville to win the league if they are victorious at Anfield

Jamie Redknapp has suggested Arsenal’s remaining away matches will be key to their title chase

The Premier League leaders will travel to Liverpool, West Ham, Man City, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest for their final away games of the season.

“You look at their away games, Newcastle trying to get into the top four, desperately trying to get where they think they belong.

“Liverpool away from home is a tough game, and the games they play are key.

“Until we get to the last three or four races of the season, we don’t know how they will react because of the way they gave up in the first four races last season.”