Neville: Liverpool the Real Winners After Arsenal Hold Man City

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Liverpool gained the most from Arsenal’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.

The top-of-the-table clash at the Emirates saw Erling Haaland put City ahead early on, only for Gabriel Martinelli to rescue Arsenal with a late equalizer. The stalemate leaves Mikel Arteta’s men five points behind league leaders Liverpool, who continue to set the pace in the title race.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville suggested Pep Guardiola might have shifted his focus to protecting the lead too soon:

“Guardiola shrugs his shoulders – he decided 25-30 minutes out from the end of the game how he was going to win it and he got so close. But credit to Arsenal, Eze and Martinelli for that bit of brilliance at the end, but those blue shirts will be disappointed. It was a bit of a slugfest of a game, a real struggle that will not help either of them and Liverpool may be the winners.”

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Neville’s point rings true—Liverpool were the silent beneficiaries of a heavyweight clash that ultimately produced no victor. While Arsenal celebrated Martinelli’s late strike and City rued a lost chance, Klopp’s men quietly stretched their lead, strengthening both their position and confidence.

This was a game where fear of losing outweighed hunger to win, with Guardiola opting for control and Arteta relying on resilience. In the process, both sides handed Liverpool breathing space.

If Liverpool maintain their ruthless edge, this draw could be remembered as one of those small but decisive moments that shaped the season. Arsenal and City showed fight, but it’s Anfield that’s smiling brightest.