Jamie Carragher explains why ‘proper team’ will win race for fourth place
Jamie Carragher ‘s Premier League top-four prediction will have Arsenal fans smiling, despite their six-match unbeaten run grinding to a half on Wednesday night.
Five straight wins in the league had put Mikel Arteta’s men in sight of a fourth-placed finish. And in fact they are still in pole position – a point ahead of Manchester United in fourth with two games in hand. West Ham and Tottenham are also in the race for the final Champions League spot, but the Gunners hold games in hand on both of their rivals.
A point or better against Liverpool on Wednesday would have given them a big advantage, but second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino gave Jurgen Klopp’s side the win.
But the defeat against a side chasing Man City for the title will not define their season. And Carragher is convinced they are the “best team” chasing fourth spot and that is down to their coach Arteta.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Arsenal, Carragher told Sky Sports: “The fight for Arsenal is to get into the top-four.
“Forget Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City, Arsenal’s results have been poor against them, but it doesn’t matter what your results are like against certain teams, it’s about how many points you get across the season.
“They’re in a fight with Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham. When I watch Arsenal tonight, I think they are a better team than United and Spurs, but those teams have individuals who can do special things. Arsenal maybe lack that.
“But I think it looks like a proper team and a well-coached team so I think Arsenal will just about do it.”
Asked about the title, Carragher would not pin his red colours to the mast.
“It is 50-50 if you like because of the situation with the game at the Etihad,” added Carragher.
“But I feel this is the first time Liverpool can win the league at any time this season. I said City before a ball was kicked. I thought it was well gone after Liverpool drew 2-2 at Chelsea.
“And I just feel the signing of (Luis) Diaz, not just him as an individual but what it has done to Liverpool. What Liverpool brought off the bench is better than the year they won the Champions League or the Premier League. That’s a massive difference that this team has never had.”
Arteta revealed afterwards that the game had gone to plan to a certain extent.
‘What happened in the boxes was a different story’
He said: “From box to box, we did everything that we’d planned. What happened in the boxes was a different story, that’s where we lost the game.
“I think the whole team played fantastically well. I don’t think the result reflects the performance, but in the box they had the decisive moments. They put the ball in the net twice.
“[The top two] have set other standards again this season. To cope with that, I have to congratulate the team. But we’re here to win football matches and today we didn’t do it.
“Mentally we’re ready [for the next game]. Saturday against Aston Villa will be a very different game, but a very difficult game.”
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