Arsenal have a four-point lead over Manchester City to begin 2026 but Jamie Carragher insists the nerves will kick in if the Gunners have their rivals close behind them in the spring
Jamie Carragher insists Arsenal have greater squad depth - but that may not be enough to hold off Man City
Jamie Carragher insists Arsenal have greater squad depth - but that may not be enough to hold off Man City
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Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City being within touching distance of the Premier League title come March could prove the "decisive factor" with Arsenal fearing another late charge.
Pep Guardiola's side started the New Year with a setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland - 48 hours after Arsenal had beaten Aston Villa. It means the Gunners extended their lead at the top to four points.
Arsenal have set the pace for the majority of the season and are seen by many as the heavy favourites. They've been close, but fallen short, in the last three seasons, finishing second on each occasion. Now Mikel Arteta has his side primed to finally end their 22-year wait for a league triumph.
They have been downed by City twice in recent years, leading into the final stretch of the season only to be overhauled by the Manchester outfit. Carragher feels as if Arsenal have the better squad but knows the nerves may kick in come the spring if City are hot on their heels.
He wrote in the Telegraph: "Manchester City do not have the same quality on the bench as Arsenal, but when Pep Guardiola has his best starting XI available they can embark on a title-winning run, especially with Erling Haaland in electrifying form.
"City are reminding me of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. There were occasions when United were not always playing the best football in a particular season, but they had that know-how about how to win the league, so if they were still in the hunt in late March they would get the job done.
"If City are still within touching distance of Arsenal by then, Guardiola will be confident and Arsenal – especially their fans – will be nervous. That could yet be a decisive factor."
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are set to battle for the title once more
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are set to battle for the title once more
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Arsenal have faced criticism over recent years despite their huge strides forward. Arteta has led a renaissance at the Emirates but remains without a trophy since winning the FA Cup nearly six years ago. Those shortcomings have been used as a stick with which to beat him.
That narrative will persist until Arsenal ultimately get over the line and deliver some silverware. Whilst being top of the Premier League also have a Carabao Cup semi-final to come. In the Champions League they have been almost perfect - winning six from six and only conceding once.
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