Jamie Carragher has delivered a scathing assessment of Arsenal's Premier League title credentials, claiming their challenge unravelled due to a stark deficiency in one critical area compared to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
The former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit didn't mince his words following the Gunners' recent stumbles, which have all but ended their hopes of lifting the trophy. For Carragher, the issue is clear and fundamental.
The Unforgiving Nature of the Premier League Grind
"The league table doesn't lie over 38 games," Carragher asserted, highlighting the relentless nature of the English top flight. He argued that while Arsenal's starting eleven can compete with the best, the gruelling schedule inevitably exposes any weaknesses on the bench.
When injuries and fatigue set in, the true strength of a squad is tested. This is where Carragher believes Mikel Arteta's men were found desperately wanting.
A Tale of Two Squads: Liverpool's Strength in Depth
Carragher pointed to his former club, Liverpool, as the prime example of how to build a robust squad capable of sustaining a challenge. Despite being ravaged by injuries themselves, Jurgen Klopp's side has managed to maintain a high level of performance.
"Look at Liverpool," he said. "They've missed key players for large periods, but the players who come in have kept them in the hunt. That's the mark of a properly constructed squad, built for the marathon, not just the sprint."
This resilience, born from having quality and experience in reserve, is what Carragher identifies as the defining difference between contenders and champions.
Arteta's Project: Still a Work in Progress
The analysis suggests that while Mikel Arteta has made significant strides in improving Arsenal's first team, the project remains incomplete. The gap in squad depth, particularly in comparison to the established elite, has been brutally exposed in the season's decisive final stretch.
For Arsenal fans, it's a painful but necessary reality check. Competing for the Premier League title requires not just a stellar starting line-up, but a full squad of 20 players capable of delivering under pressure. Until that is addressed, Carragher implies, their dreams may continue to fall just short.
