Neville’s half-term PL report

As we reach the halfway point of the Premier League season, Gary Neville gives his analysis of the current top six.

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea lead the pile with 49 points from their 19 games, six ahead of nearest challengers Liverpool, following their 13-game winning run.

But will they slip up? And what does Neville think of new managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola following their first six months at United and City? 

Here, speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, the Sky Sports pundit gives his views…

Man Utd – 6th, 36 points

If I speak as a neutral first, where United are at this time isn’t good enough. However, as a fan over the last couple months, it’s better. There’s more personality, guts and strength.

Last season or the season before you were watching Manchester United and thinking: “This isn’t Manchester United, this isn’t what they’re about.”

We were watching a passive, boring, insipid performance, now there’s counter attack, excitement. Paul Pogba is getting better and better, Ibrahimovic is getting better and better. There’s a lot more mobility, and in the wide areas there’s a big change.

They’ve stumbled across a back four; they’re getting better and have shown they have some grit, determination and fight.

Man City – 5th, 39 points

They look a little bit toothless when you watch them, a little bit pretty. But earlier on in the season they weren’t pretty or toothless. You question whether the current Manchester City are the real City, because they’ve done it [slipped away] over the last couple of seasons.

Certainly they’ve got form in starting the season well and then dipping. You have to question if they’re really achieving their potential at the moment.

They have had the best players and best squad and have not been delivering in recent years.

Both Jose …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com