Gary Neville admits Sky Sports incident sparked 'paranoid' Arsenal backlash

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Gary Neville has labelled Arsenal fans as paranoid following the backlash he received for his enthusiastic celebration during Manchester City's triumph over Liverpool . The Sky Sports pundit faced criticism from some quarters for seemingly taking too much pleasure in City's late goals as they overcame the Reds.

Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland netted late goals, enabling Pep Guardiola's team to stage a comeback at Anfield and inject excitement into the title race . This outcome seemed to heap pressure on Arsenal , who had previously squandered two leads in draws against Brentford and Wolves before rebounding against Tottenham .

The north London club continues to top the Premier League table, maintaining a five-point lead over City . However, their rivals have a game in hand and are yet to face Arsenal, implying that both teams still control their own title destiny.

Nonetheless, Neville believes Arsenal will secure their first title in over 20 years. The former defender even expressed a preference for the Gunners to emerge victorious among the two main contenders.

"You know something, paranoia is incredible," Neville commented on Stick to Football . "I think Arsenal will win it.

"Arsenal fans are p***** off with me because when City scored two in the last 10 minutes at Anfield, they thought I was over-celebrating. The fact of the matter is that it was big. By the way, Arsenal wobbled for a week or so afterwards, so it was big."

Neville then questioned Ian Wright about whether he believed the Gunners would secure Premier League glory. "I do," came the response.

"We're joint top scorers, we've conceded the least goals. That's facts, bro. I'm not going on pure faith."

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"You're bro-ing me off!" Neville interrupted, prompting chuckles around the table.

"I'm not bro-ing you off," said Wright. "I have to believe it.

What they're trying to do and trying to finish, I have to believe. I've had faith from the start."

The former Manchester United skipper then pressed Wright on why Arsenal supporters think he doesn't want to see the Gunners lift the title. "I don't know," replied the former Arsenal forward. "Ask the people [who have a problem] with your commentary. "

"You'd rather Arsenal in the league than City wouldn't you?" suggested Paul Scholes.

"100 per cent. Of course I would," Neville confirmed.

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