Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on Manchester City's ability to sustain a Premier League title challenge this season following the club's guilty verdict for breaching financial rules. The Liverpool legend believes the unprecedented situation will prove too big a distraction for the Manchester club, who currently sit top of the table after winning their opening seven games under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Guilty verdict and appeal
Manchester City were found guilty of all charges related to breaches of Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The verdict stated that the club 'relied on sham agreements to artificially inflate the club's revenues and reduce its costs'. Etihad Stadium bosses have appealed the decision.
City's first match since the verdict is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, a team they denied multiple Premier League trophies over the past decade.
Carragher's warning
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher acknowledged City have been the 'best team' in the early part of the season but expressed doubt they can maintain their pace. 'I just find it very difficult to imagine they will keep that going because every away game you go to will be the best atmosphere in that ground this season or very close to it. Everyone is baying for blood,' he said.
Carragher's assessment could clear the way for defending champions Arsenal to win back-to-back Premier League titles.
Punishment and ownership concerns
On potential punishments, Carragher dismissed the idea of a 100-point deduction, saying it would only relegate the club for one season. Instead, he suggested a punishment spanning three to five years, which would force players to move on and create financial challenges in paying wages without Premier League income.
Carragher also questioned the position of Manchester City's owners, arguing they cannot be trusted after the verdict. 'I don't know how they can continue. How can you ever trust them if they're found guilty of this?' he said, adding that he fears the club will never admit wrongdoing and will keep 'dragging it on', potentially harming the game.
