Gary Neville names the points tally Arsenal need to win the Premier League title - even though he DOESN'T think they're better than previous years when they've 'accepted failure'

Gary Neville has insisted that this season is Arsenal's to lose, and believes that they will be able to clinch their first title in 21 years with around 85 points.

Mikel Arteta's side moved four points clear at the top of the table after Sunday's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in a weekend which saw their nearest rivals drop points. Liverpool lost a fourth league game on the spin against Brentford, and then Manchester City lost 1-0 at Aston Villa.

'This has got to be their year,' the former Manchester United right-back said on the Gary Neville Podcast. 'I've had Arsenal to win the league the last three years - now four.

'They aren't miles better than last year but are repeating levels of consistency and that's all they are going to have to do this year to win the league. They aren't going to have to get 100 points, or even 90.

'Mid-80s, high 80s will win them this title title, and they can do that.'

In past seasons Arsenal have been in a commanding position to win their first top-flight crown since 2004 - but have ultimately been unable to see victory over the line.

In 2022-23 they spent 93 per cent of the season in first place before being pipped to the title by Manchester City.

Last season they dropped 10 crucial points against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and West Ham as they fell away in the title race to finish second for a third successive campaign.

Neville though believes that this year can be different for the Gunners, who have beaten all of those teams already this season.

'Arsenal are reliable, you can trust them. They don't concede goals,' he said. 'They don't have a sensational forward, but they've got a battering ram who is as honest as the day is long and that can work for them.

'They've got (Eberechi) Eze, they've got so they've got (Noni) Madueke, (Gabriel) Martinelli, (Leandro) Trossard, lots of players who can contribute goals. They've got (Declan) Rice who can obviously deliver in set-pieces. They've got four fantastic full-backs and three excellent centre-backs.

'So there are a lot of very good things going for Arsenal. It's about making sure now they don't get carried away. It's about making sure they just keep doing the same things. They don't need to do anything spectacular here. Just keep doing your jobs. Keep doing what you do, and you will win this league.'

The pressure has been on boss Arteta since the start of the season, after they spent around £250million on eight summer signings.

But the business has so far largely paid off, with his side second top scorers in the league and have the tightest defence despite a number of injuries.

Arsenal have only conceded three goals this season, earning six clean sheets from nine played.

Neville added: 'This is your title, Arsenal. I've never really felt that sure before, it's so early in the season, but it really is. 

'That's not being overconfident, or placing pressure, they must feel it themselves. This is the moment Arsenal can get back on top.

'The chance is there for them; they have to take it.'