Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has fired a warning shot at Arsenal, saying Mikel Arteta’s men might buckle under the pressure when the title race heats up in spring.
The former defender believes Arsenal now boast the best squad in the Premier League and are clear favourites to lift the trophy. But he fears history could repeat itself when the tension hits breaking point in March or April.
“The only thing that can stop [Arsenal] is the same thing that has stopped other teams in the past,” Carragher said on the Stick to Football podcast. “You get to March or April, and you want it so much. The supporters want it so much.”
Carragher’s comments came after Arsenal leapfrogged Liverpool to the top of the table, a position that’s reignited belief that Arteta’s side can finally end their long wait for Premier League glory.
Despite his warning, Carragher still backed the Gunners to go all the way this season.
“Arsenal have the best squad,” he said. “I think what [Manchester United] used to do, I think Alex Ferguson used to say if you’re three or four points off the leaders going into January or February…”
Gary Neville chimed in, saying Arsenal’s experience of finishing second last season could give them the mental edge this time. Carragher agreed, adding that rivals like Liverpool will be waiting to pounce if the Gunners slip up.
“If Liverpool can find themselves five or six points behind in February… I think Liverpool will get better,” he warned.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright also backed Arteta’s title charge, but stressed that it’s up to the boss to keep his cool when it matters most.
“It’s up to Arteta to put the right pieces in the picture at the right time,” Wright said.
With Arsenal flying high and confidence surging, Carragher’s message is clear, the Gunners have the quality to win it all, but they’ll need nerves of steel to survive the pressure cooker of March and April.
So, can Arteta’s men finally finish the job, or will the pressure break them again?
