Gary Neville: 'Arsenal's form has severely declined ahead of the match against Man City'

Gary Neville argues that Man City's win in the Carabao Cup final created a major momentum shift, while also imposing significant pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League championship chase.

During the Carabao Cup final, Man City scored two goals within just four minutes in the second half, thereby gaining control over their Premier League title rival Arsenal.

The first goal came from a mistake by goalkeeper Arrizabalaga, who was selected to start instead of David Raya, when he mishandled Rayan Cherki's cross, allowing Nico O’Reilly to score easily. Just four minutes later, the English international headed in another goal, securing Man City's 2-0 final victory.

On Sky Sports, former star Gary Neville criticized Kepa not only for his error in the final but also for his play earlier. In the second half, the Spanish goalkeeper held the ball for too long multiple times, despite Arsenal performing better in the first half, even taking up to 36 seconds to release the ball in one instance.

The Man Utd legend stated: "He needs to release the ball quicker because it doesn't help at all. It only makes the crowd more excited.

That doesn't help Arsenal whatsoever. He's making it harder for himself, drawing Man City closer, keeping the ball at his feet. And then this situation, it's a very poor mistake by the goalkeeper. Kepa, that's a serious error at a crucial moment...

Arsenal's performance severely dropped off in this match. What happened to them? The team of Mikel Arteta disappeared, what happened in the second half? Goalkeepers need to stop doing that, they disrupt the flow of the game and send a message that the team lacks clear ideas. That's absurd."

Although Arsenal's dream of winning four trophies has ended, the "Gunners" remain the top contender for the Premier League title, currently leading Man City by nine points.

Neville added: "They delivered a heavy blow, Man City. The impact could be huge... Man City needed a boost and they got it.

Arsenal needs to recover, but Pep Guardiola will certainly be very proud because his team delivered at the right moment. Arsenal still has time, but Mikel Arteta will now have a lot of work to do."

Arsenal's next Premier League match is hosting Bournemouth on April 11, while Man City will face Chelsea one day later.