Gary Neville has warned Arsenal they must manage their emotions carefully ahead of next Sunday's crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City, live on Sky Sports. The Gunners' 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth has opened the door for Pep Guardiola's side, who responded with a 3-0 victory over Chelsea to cut Arsenal's lead to six points.

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the former Manchester United defender said Arsenal's first title in 22 years won't come easily. 'They've got to try and swim against the tide and hold their nerve,' Neville explained, noting the narrative building around City's momentum. He believes the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon could actually benefit Arsenal by providing a distraction from the mounting pressure.

Neville emphasized that Arsenal's recent struggles stem from trying too hard rather than not wanting it enough. 'It's the mentally emotional drain that means your legs physically appear tired,' he said, describing how the weight of expectation has affected the team. With no experienced title winners in the current squad, Arteta faces the challenge of finding the right balance between passion and composure as the season reaches its climax.