Jamie Carragher has explained why he believes Arsenal’s defensive dominance was the main reason Liverpool lost in Sunday’s clash.
The Reds lost 3-1 to the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend, as their gap at the top of the Premier League table narrowed to just two points. An own goal from Gabriel was the only reason Liverpool were able to get on the score sheet, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard finding the back of the net for the hosts.
Liverpool managed just one effort on target all game, which came in the 46th minute from Luis Diaz which was comfortably held by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Carragher has explained why he still thinks Manchester City are the favourites for the league title, but also gave Arsenal a “slim chance” after the win over the Reds.
Carragher highlighted why Arsenal preventing the Reds from getting any clear efforts on goal was the main reason behind the loss for Jurgen Klopp’s team. The former Liverpool defender did acknowledge that his old club are one of the best teams in the league in another department.
They [Arsenal] were better than Liverpool in all areas, but the thing that stood out to me was how strong they were defensively,” said Carragher on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. “I never felt at any point in that game that Liverpool looked threatening and a goal was coming.
“I said after the game that I actually thought the result was a better result for Manchester City than it was for Arsenal. But, Arsenal do have a slim chance of winning a title, and that chance comes off the back of how good they are defensively.
“I think defensively, certainly in terms of goals conceded as well as the underlying numbers, I think defensively they [Arsenal] are the best team in the Premier League.
“We saw that with what Liverpool did yesterday with their actual xG and you go back to Manchester City going to the Emirates as well that they won 1-0. The two best attacking teams in the league, Manchester City and Liverpool, went to Arsenal and never looked like scoring – that is what gives them [Arsenal] a chance.”
