Gary Neville faces backlash after saying Arsenal have 'gone backwards' as star name slammed

Gary Neville was widely criticised for saying Arsenal had gone backwards this season with fellow pundit Robbie Mustoe the first to call him out. The Gunners are set to miss out on the yet again as the expert took aim at their below par campaign.

on Saturday, which allowed to respond less than 24 hours later with a win that opened up a 13 point gap at the top. have been unable to pile on the pressure, owing to immense inconsistency throughout the season.

It means the north Londoners will have to accept being second best for a third straight year. Manchester City's drop off has opened the door but Liverpool have pounced despite few tipping them.

Neville claimed that Arsenal had "gone backwards" as he said on : “Arsenal’s league performances have been a big let-down. If weren't going to win the league, Arsenal had to be the team that was there waiting. They're not. They're not even on Liverpool's shoulder."

Neville has suggested that he thought Arsenal were "always trying to be let off the hook" whilst he singled out the performances of skipper Martin Odegaard, claiming he'd endured a "big drop-off" this term.

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However Mustoe, who was working alongside Neville, quickly rejected his claim as he began: "I wouldn't agree that they have regressed. I still think they are going to be the second-placed team again for the third season on the trot.

"I think the injuries to key players at different parts of the season have to be considered. I know, in terms of recruitment, it's accepted that the front line is the last bit and the most important bit to strengthen. I find it harder to criticise the team and the way they have played based on the disappointment. Liverpool are the only team have had very few injuries. Injuries make a difference. When you've got a few injuries, it's hard to keep up the pace."

Neville has previously copped it from the Arsenal fanbase having tipped City to chase them down in each of the past two seasons - proving to be right on both occasions. However his decision to overlook their injury record has resulted in a pile-on from the supporters.

One said: "Everyone seems to ignore the context around our season. We’ve actually done very well considering what we’ve had to contend with." Another claimed that Neville had been "educated by a proper pundit." One said: "Gary couldn't speak this is refreshing to watch".

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