Arsenal’s impressive victory over Liverpool has put them back in the mix for the Premier League title, as they are now just two points off top spot.
However, there is still a long way to go, and competing with Manchester City and Liverpool will be no easy feat.
Many were close to writing Arsenal off in the title race after a mid-season dip in results, and a lack of firepower upfront when compared to their title rivals.
However, there is still a way that Arsenal surpass both key rivals, and this could give them a slight chance of Premier League glory, according to Jamie Carragher.
Jamie Carragher claims Arsenal defence can win them title
Speaking on Sky Sports on Monday, the former Liverpool defender heaped praise on Arsenal’s defensive unit, and claimed that the strength of their back line could help Mikel Arteta win the league.
“They were better than Liverpool in all areas but the big thing that stood out for me was how strong they were defensively. I never felt at any point in that game that Liverpool looked threatening or that a goal was coming. Liverpool got a fortunate goal, we know that,” he stated.
“I said after the game that the result was better for Manchester City than Arsenal but Arsenal do have a slim chance of winning the title.
“That chance comes from how good they are defensively. I think defensively, not just goals conceded, when you actually look at the underlying numbers, I think defensively they are the best team in the Premier League. We saw that with what Liverpool did yesterday with their xG.
“The two best attacking teams in the Premier League went to Arsenal and never looked like scoring throughout the game. That is what gives them a chance.”
Arsenal’s outstanding defending in title clashes
Arsenal’s defensive unit, and William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice in particular, have been outstanding in big games this season.
Manchester City came to the Emirates in October, and Arsenal restricted Pep Guardiola’s side, containing the likes of Erling Haaland, to just one shot on target.
Liverpool only scored on Sunday through an unfortunate own goal, and could barely muster up a shot as Arsenal dominated.
Even Arsenal’s draw at Anfield in December saw them concede just once to one of the most potent sides in the league, and this defence looks set to get even stronger with the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Arsenal’s title winning teams under George Graham were built upon a rock-solid defence, and whilst this current side is up against two attacking juggernauts, any title challenge they embark upon will come as a result of their strength at the back.
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