Gary Neville gives rallying call to Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Leeds after ‘brilliant’ Newcastle United win

Gary Neville acknowledged the rejuvenating effect the transformation of Newcastle United has had on the city on Monday night.

The former Manchester United legend turned Sky Sports pundit was speaking on Monday Night Football after United's triumphant 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Goals from Bruno Guimaraes and an own goal from Ben White secured Eddie Howe's side the three points in the final match at St. James' Park this season.

As well as pouring scorn over Arsenal's performance and the side's likely throwing away of a Champion's League place, Neville praised the dramatic transformation that has been seen at Newcastle in 2022.

He said: "The investment in the team has put pride back in the city and feeling back on the pitch.

"Newcastle is a major city. It's a fantastic place.

"The north of England doesn't get as much investment as it should do, a lot of clubs in the south have been bought."

Neville went on to speak of hopes that clubs across the North enjoyed revivals similar to Newcastle United.

He added: "We need a strong Newcastle United, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest. "These different cities around the country, I've been saying it for many years, are really important to football in this country."

The pundit finished by saying it was "brilliant" to see Newcastle back and thriving, but added that a conversation over the controversial Saudi Arabian ownership would nonetheless have to be talked about "another day".