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| Arsenal face a crunch clash with United on Sunday |
GARY NEVILLE believes poor mental preparation before big games is the one thing preventing Arsenal from making a push for the Premier League title.
The Gunners face leaders Manchester United on Sunday (4pm) on the back of a humiliating 3-2 defeat to Olympiakos in the Champions League on Tuesday.
And their recent record against United, no wins in eight, means manager Arsene Wenger is under pressure.
But Neville feels Arsenal could be contenders for the title, especially if they are knocked out of Europe, should "they prepare themselves to deal with the strengths of the opposition before they can impose their own brand of football".
He told the Telegraph: "I believe the league this year is up for grabs - and Arsenal have been the most consistent team in the competition since January.
"‘Mentality’ in big matches starts 48-hours before kick-off. It starts with a player thinking: how am I going win that duel with Memphis Depay or Anthony Martial.
"It’s about little details. And it’s not about sacrificing principles. It’s about respecting your opponent, nullifying his weapons and allowing your own strengths to prevail from a sound foundation.
"I may be wrong, but I sense that Arsenal players go into training on Friday morning thinking about how they’ll pass the ball, score with a bicycle kick, how much fun they are going to have.
"On the Saturday morning they still might not be switched on. Sunday morning is too late. It’s fatal to think like that before a big game.
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| Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay will be key men for United |
"Over these past three or four years I don’t believe Arsenal have prepared mentally for the biggest games. It’s not enough for them to play their way and assume it will bring them out on top.
"It’s never enough. Big games are won by the details, the thought process, the preparation. If Arsenal make that change, they can really push for the title."
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