Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expresses skepticism about Arsenal’s chances of maintaining a Premier League title challenge this season. The Gunners reached the top of the table with a last-minute win over Brentford, following results like Manchester City’s draw against Liverpool over the weekend. Kai Havertz’s 89th-minute goal placed Arsenal in pole position, a position they hadn’t held since April.
Mikel Arteta’s side has secured five one-goal victories in the 2023/24 season, with critics focusing on Arsenal’s attacking options. However, there’s been less attention on their defensive improvements. Arsenal has conceded the fewest goals (10) this season, showcasing a resilient backline crucial to their strong start.
Despite these defensive strides, Carragher, analyzing the stats on Monday Night Football, dismisses suggestions that Arsenal can launch a title charge. He questions whether their defensive improvements, transitioning from the third-best defense to the best, would be enough to make a significant difference. Carragher also notes the disparity in Arsenal’s attacking stats, with the best attack dropping to sixth, and even one of their stats ranking 11th. In his view, if Arsenal continues in their current form, he doesn’t believe they can win the league.