Gary Neville praises Arsenal's character in Tottenham victory and ability to handle Manchester City pressure in Premier League title battle

Gary Neville lauds Arsenal's mentality in Tottenham win, highlighting their resilience against Man City pressure in the Premier League title race this season.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 23, 2026, 6:05 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from skysports.com.

Tottenham result provides definitive answer to critics

Arsenal entered the North London derby under scrutiny over their ability to perform in big games and handle the psychological demands of a title challenge. The team's dominant display against Tottenham delivered a clear statement, with Neville pointing to the control shown throughout the match as evidence of improved resilience. According to Neville, the victory demonstrated that Arsenal no longer wilt under pressure but instead rise to meet it, marking a significant step in their evolution as serious contenders.

Arteta's tactical discipline shines in derby context

Mikel Arteta's side executed their game plan effectively, limiting Tottenham's attacking threats while creating consistent danger themselves. Neville praised the balance between defensive solidity and attacking intent, noting how Arsenal managed transitions and maintained possession under intense home crowd noise. This tactical maturity allowed the team to dictate tempo and avoid the chaotic moments that had previously cost them in similar fixtures.

Manchester City shadow looms large over title race

With Manchester City producing consistently high-level performances, Arsenal face constant comparison and pressure to match every point dropped by their rivals. Neville observed that Arsenal have responded positively to this dynamic, refusing to let City's form dictate their own confidence or approach. The ability to focus internally and deliver results despite external noise reflects a squad growing accustomed to life at the summit of English football.