Ex Arsenal player Bacary Sagna fires back at Gary Neville over shocking claim

Bacary Sagna has responded to Gary Neville’s prediction that Arsenal would finish third in the Premier League.

The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points over the weekend, defeating north London rivals Tottenham and seeing title rivals Manchester City lose at Old Trafford.

Neville claimed after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Tottenham that Mikel Arteta’s side would not win the league and that they would fall behind Manchester clubs City and United by the end of the season.

‘They are not going to win the league. Manchester City will win the league, and I believe Manchester United will finish second, which will irritate Arsenal fans,’ he predicted.

‘At some point this season, Arsenal will face a very difficult period. Is it possible that Arsenal will continue as they are? I don’t believe so.

‘I know Arsenal fans will abuse me, as they have for the last four months, and I hope you win!’ But I can’t see anything.’

Sagna, on the other hand, believes his former club has “all the ingredients to be champions” and dismisses Manchester United’s threat.

‘That’s his opinion,’ Sagna said when asked about Neville’s prediction. He has his own point of view, but his point of view differs from what I believe will become reality.

‘Arsenal has been the best and most consistent team this season. Manchester United and Manchester City both have crucial games coming up.

‘I don’t think United will finish ahead of Arsenal. They have improved, but Arsenal have been the best team all season, and Pep Guardiola will agree! He’s been saying they’ll be difficult to catch, and he’s right.

‘This weekend, Arsenal have an important game, and they will have to demonstrate their strength once more, but I’m not concerned.’

Arsenal is attempting to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004, after finishing fifth last season due to a late collapse.

When asked if he believes Arsenal will win the Premier League, Sagna replied, ‘I think so!’ They have everything it takes to be champions.

‘Most importantly, their style of play. Arsenal’s mentality, consistency, and belief in their own ability to win every game are outstanding.

‘They don’t give up many chances, and when they do, they have a goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale who can keep the other team from scoring. They have all the characteristics of champions.’

Manchester United, who came from behind to defeat Manchester City last weekend, travel to north London on Sunday to face Premier League leaders Arsenal.