Manchester City have gone above Arsenal to top the Premier League but their performance in a 1-0 win at Burnley shows this title race is far from over, says Gary Neville.
City were expected to blow Burnley away off the back of their thrilling title-race showdown win over Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday.
It started well for them, with Erling Haaland clipping in an excellent opener after just five minutes but the second goal didn't come and in the end Pep Guardiola looked relieved to hear the full-time whistle, after relegated Burnley created some nervy moments.
City lead Arsenal on goals scored - they have scored three more times than the Gunners this season - with the teams otherwise level on points and goal difference.
Arsenal play twice before City next play in the league and can now seize their opportunity to reclaim the momentum in the chase for glory, while there may also be renewed hope that City will not win their five remaining league games.
"It's a win for Manchester City - but it's the best win Arsenal could have hoped for," Neville told Sky Sports.
"It's all to play for. Arsenal have a home game against Newcastle on Saturday where they can reassert their three-point lead.
"It didn't happen for Manchester City tonight. They will have to play better than that or they will drop points.
"But Pep Guardiola knows he had to come away with three points. And he's done that."
Pep: Why should I be frustrated?
Despite cutting a frustrated figure throughout the second half, Guardiola was intent on painting a positive picture when he spoke to Sky Sports post-match.
Asked if he was frustrated there wasn't more from his side, he said: "The way we played? Or the goals we didn't score? The chances were there, we created a lot. Made a fantastic game. We did everything after a demanding game three days ago. So it was demanding. It wasn't easy. We missed some goals here.
"No frustration. Why should I be frustrated? We are right now top of the table. Frustration doesn't exist.
"Of course, we can do better and score goals. The guys did absolutely everything, we just didn't score [more]. Nothing was taken for granted, we did really well."
He also rejected suggestions his side may have been feeling the effects of their exertions on Sunday against Arsenal.
"I completely disagree. We had a better performances in terms of chances, chances, chances than on Sunday. Of course, the opponent of Arsenal is extraordinary. We know that. The performance itself was really, really good.
"Five games. It's the Premier League for five games. This is the reality. Now we have a really tough semi-final on Saturday.
"It's a big opportunity to play four finals in a row. We will see how tired we are. Maybe we have to make some changes because otherwise, it's been a lot of minutes for players. At the end, we were a little bit tired. But we are ready."
tazbkosuz
1
Come on Neville give Burnley some credit and City don’t have to win every game by a landslide to show dominance had Burnley leaked goals then it will be said that they sold out to give City a better goal difference
Basbknstyz
2
When Man U won 1-0 against Chelsea, it bagged 3pts, and it was an overwhelming win, now Man City won 1-0 against relegation threatened Burnley it bagged 3pts and its labelled underwhelming win, you should consider the circumstances, don't stress a few matches are remaining, let's wait and see
Kukailnpz
0
Triumph Manchester City 🙏🙌
KylieJones
0
these pundits get paid very well to chat if u lose him Neville gonna chat,wins him chat an if you lose him still chat...why his parents didn't call him Gary chat!...
vebbcdnptu
1
Even Gary’s United didn’t survive City’s goal difference and Arsenal won’t either. Moral lesson : Never let City be second with a game in hand
Pookipie
0
Arsenal to go trophy less this season with all the hardwork. Nooooooooo
emondorock
1
arsenal have to beat Newcastle by at least 2 goals....relying on man c to fail is not a option now
Kaudiknstu
1
All about 3points now
wabadlru
2
You don't expect Burnley to lie low and mancity will bury them when you know they are fighting for survival as well. So is expected to be tough game for both..
Jouceiop
2
Is Arsenal's recent performance not underwhelming too?
Jipadilsuy
1
Come on citizens, we are man city, we are champion again [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
lawdlmpsuz
1
We don’t care about your opinion