Jamie Carragher has warned Arsenal that Manchester City are emerging as the clearest threat to their Premier League title defence, despite Mikel Arteta’s side making a perfect start to the campaign.
Arsenal began with a 3-0 victory over City in the Community Shield, appearing to underline the gap between the two teams. But City have responded by winning five consecutive matches in all competitions, including a dramatic 1-0 derby victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Carragher warns Arsenal about Manchester City
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher said Arsenal’s title success could give them greater belief after finally overcoming the pressure of having to deliver the championship.
He also pointed to the depth available to Arteta, with Bruno Guimaraes having made an impact from the bench and scored against Sunderland.
“Maybe and they’ve maybe got the best squad now as well,” Carragher said.
“You look at Bruno Guimaraes coming off the bench and making that impact, they didn’t have that player last season.
“Yeah, I think the psychological impact [of winning the title] will be huge for Arsenal. They won’t have that worry they’ve had of getting across the line.
“They know they can, they’ll feel they’re the best team and the best squad. But I think what City did yesterday will be a little bit of a worry for Arsenal: ‘Oh, we know who our challenger is right now!’”
Carragher had backed Arsenal to retain the title before the season began, and the club have won each of their opening four league matches. Their squad strength was further highlighted by Guimaraes’ contribution after coming on against Sunderland.
City’s derby success nevertheless offered a significant response to their Community Shield defeat. They played with 10 men from the 23rd minute after Phil Foden was sent off, but still secured victory through Erling Haaland.
That resilience has strengthened the impression that City are recovering their momentum quickly under Maresca. Arsenal may have appeared comfortably ahead earlier in the campaign, but Carragher believes the gap has already narrowed.
