Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher makes surprise Premier League title prediction with Arsenal involved
Image credit: Getty Images
Liverpool secured a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick proving to be the difference between the two teams.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating limited chances in open play.
The Gunners’ open play attacking woes were once again exposed, with the team relying heavily on set pieces to create scoring opportunities.
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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, in his post-match analysis of the Liverpool vs Arsenal match for Sky Sports, stressed that Arsenal may struggle yet again and may not win the Premier League this season if they cannot produce good open play goals, especially in big games.
The former England player questioned Arsenal’s mentality and whether they have the belief to win big away games.
“Liverpool have got what Arteta and Arsenal haven’t right now – that edge, that something, that mentality to go and win big matches at big away grounds,” Neville said.
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“Liverpool believe they should be winning these matches and I’m not sure Arsenal do. They’re happy not to lose and it’s costing them.”
Jamie Carragher shared a similar view, stating that Arsenal’s problem lies in creating chances in open play.
“Arsenal’s problem is creating,” Carragher said. “That was the problem for them last season: they don’t create enough. You can look at the numbers – it’s all there in black and white.”
Carragher also noted that Arsenal’s summer spending spree has not changed their approach to the game, with the team still relying heavily on set pieces.
William Saliba against Hugo Ekitike
William Saliba against Hugo Ekitike (Image credit: Getty Images)
Roy Keane was even more scathing in his criticism, labelling Arsenal’s attacking play as “robotic.” “I feel like Arsenal, a bit like at Old Trafford, if you look at their attacking play, that day and today, just wasn’t good enough,” Keane said.
“They were not sharp enough, they need to do better.”
Despite the criticism, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was proud of his team’s performance.
“I’m very proud of my players, I think both teams elevated the game to a level that there was no margins between the two and very little happens, a lot of action in many areas, not that much in the boxes,” Arteta said. However, he acknowledged that his team needs to find a way to win big matches. “You need to find a way to win these big matches,” Arteta said. “You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have it.”
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