Gary Neville has assessed the strength of Arsenal’s squad as the reigning English champions begin their title defence with a perfect record.
The former Manchester United defender has discussed where Arsenal’s squad stands in comparison with those of other leading Premier League clubs. His comments come as Mikel Arteta’s side have made the ideal start to their campaign, collecting two victories from their first two matches.
Arsenal strengthened their position at the top end of the early Premier League picture on Monday by winning 1-0 away at Aston Villa. The result gave the Gunners another three points and maintained their 100% record at the beginning of the defence of their English title.
That opening sequence has placed renewed attention on the quality and depth available to Arteta. Neville’s assessment focuses on the overall level of the Arsenal squad and how it compares with the groups assembled by their rivals among the Premier League’s top clubs.
The discussion comes before Arsenal face another side that have also won both of their opening league matches. Chelsea will travel to Arsenal on Sunday, 6 September, with their own perfect start intact.
The meeting at Arsenal’s home stadium will therefore bring together two teams who have taken maximum points from their first two fixtures. For Arsenal, it will provide the next test during the early stages of their title defence. For Chelsea, it will be an opportunity to continue their winning opening to the campaign against the reigning champions.
Arsenal’s victory at Aston Villa was secured by a single goal, but it was enough to preserve their winning run. The result also ensured that Arteta’s team arrived at the weekend fixture having already collected six points.
Neville’s comments add a wider comparison to that early-season storyline. Rather than focusing only on Arsenal’s results, the former Manchester United defender has considered the standard of the squad itself alongside those of other leading Premier League contenders.
The Gunners now face the prospect of maintaining their momentum in a fixture between two unbeaten teams. Arsenal have won twice, Chelsea have also won twice, and both clubs will enter Sunday’s match with their opening records unchanged.
The encounter with Chelsea follows immediately after Arsenal’s narrow success at Aston Villa and gives the champions another prominent league fixture at the start of their campaign. It also means that the level of Arteta’s squad will remain central to the conversation as the season develops.
For now, Arsenal’s title defence has begun with two wins, while Chelsea have matched that record. Neville’s comparison of the squads comes against that backdrop, with both teams preparing to meet at Arsenal’s home ground on Sunday, 6 September.
