Gary Neville has boldly predicted Arsenal to finish outside the top two of the Premier League

Gary Neville has boldly claimed that high-flying Arsenal will finish outside the top two of the Premier League despite the Gunners being eight points clear at the top.

Heading into their North London derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal knew a victory would widen their lead at the top of the table after Manchester City’s defeat against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

An embarrassing howler by Spurs stopper Hugo Lloris and a long-range thunderbolt by Martin Odegaard sealed a much-needed 2-0 victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.

As a result, they are now eight points clear of City and fans are starting to dream of a first league title since the 03/04 season.

However, according to former United defender Neville, Arsenal will not win the league and won’t even finish in second place.

When asked whether Arsenal will win the league, Neville said: “No. But I said Leicester wouldn't win the league. They won't win the league.

“Manchester City will win the league, and I think Man Utd will finish second, and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans!”

Neville did go on to say it would be sensational if the Gunners managed to get their hands on the Premier League trophy.

He added: “I'd rather Arsenal win the league than Man City. I think it would be absolutely sensational for the Premier League.

“I think about watching the Premier League, we've seen City sweep up, apart from Liverpool, over the past five years. To think Arsenal could come and win it, it adds to our league, it makes our league great.

“I'd love Man Utd to win it, but I don't think that's going to happen this season.”

Neville then predicted City to go on a winning run that will allow them to haul Arsenal back.

He said: “The reality of it is, I think at some point Man City will hit a run. Once they do, they've got to play Arsenal twice. With City, is Erling Haaland not getting the service, or does he need to do more? I'll ask that question.

“If Erling Haaland starts to kick on, if City start to purr, if the defence starts to shore up a bit more than it has done, and they need Ruben Dias back if they can, I think City will win it.”