Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has criticised Mikel Arteta for his conservative approach in big games, warning it could cost Arsenal the Premier League title.
The Gunners salvaged a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday, with Gabriel Martinelli netting a dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser after Erling Haaland had opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Despite enjoying 67% possession, Arsenal struggled to break down City until late in the game.
Carragher blamed Arteta’s midfield selection of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, calling it too defensive. He noted that the game only opened up after Ebere Eze and Bukayo Saka came on for Noni Madueke and Merino.
“Mikel Arteta has got a team and squad that are that close to being really, really special,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.
“But time after time when it comes to these big games, he picks a team that feels like he’s thinking more about the opposition.
“That was a waste for 45 minutes… it’s just a recurring pattern, season after season, and if you’re Mikel Arteta or an Arsenal supporter, you’ve got to hope that it doesn’t cost you at the end of the season.”
Arsenal now trail league leaders Liverpool by five points, with Carragher warning that Arteta’s cautious game plans could prevent the Gunners from taking the final step to win the league.
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