Jamie Carragher could change his mind on Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes – if they pick up positive results at Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Arsenal have enjoyed an enormous week.
The Gunners came from 3-2 down to claim a dramatic 4-3 victory over Luton Town on Tuesday night with Declan Rice heading home the winner.
Manchester City then lost 1-0 away at Aston Villa, again falling to a defeat without midfielder Rodri.
Arsenal suddenly find themselves six points clear of City and looking to pull well clear of Pep Guardiola’s men.
Jamie Carragher could change his verdict on Arsenal before Christmas
Arsenal deservedly sit top of the Premier League table but some will still have doubts about their title credentials.
Mikel Arteta’s men came up short in the title race last season and some still fear that there is some fragility in the Arsenal camp.
Jamie Carragher hasn’t been totally convinced given that Arsenal have been winning close games and scoring last-minute winners – just like Tuesday night.
Carragher indicated in November that he felt Arsenal’s record in close games could easily start going the other way.
The former Liverpool defender has now reiterated that point on the latest episode of Stick to Football but shared how he may change his mind.
Arsenal take on Aston Villa and Liverpool in their next two away games before Christmas, and Carragher admitted that he may change his mind on the Gunners if they come out of those games with four or six points.
“Arsenal’s next two away games are Aston Villa and Liverpool… I think if they come out of those with four points or six points, I think my stance would maybe change, because they are tough away games,” said Carragher.
That would mean winning one of those games, but Arsenal did take four points from the two corresponding fixtures last season.
Arsenal beat Villa 4-2 at Villa Park in February and squandered a 2-0 lead at Anfield to eventually draw 2-2.
It’s fair to say that both sides are better now though; Villa are rolling under Unai Emery whilst Liverpool’s midfield overhaul in the summer has improved them.
A repeat of those results would be an enormous success for Arsenal – and seemingly convince Carragher a little more in the process.
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