Jamie Carragher says Liverpool lack players like two Arsenal stars Mikel Arteta signed for £64m

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s upcoming clash with Liverpool could prove decisive in the Premier League title race, with the pressure on the home side.

Liverpool are have had a record-breaking start under Arne Slot and are now top of the Premier League, and they could not have picked a better time to play against Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are facing several injury problems, and the last two games have been a struggle. Arsenal were beaten by Bournemouth after William Saliba was sent off, which has ruled him out of this game, and whilst they beat Shakhtar Donetsk, they were far from convincing.

However, Arsenal still have title-challenging quality within their squad, and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has highlighted where they are stronger than his old side.

• READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

Jamie Carragher claims Liverpool need players like Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori

In his column for The Telegraph, Carragher stated that whilst Liverpool have exceeded expectations in the title race so far, they need a midfielder in the mould of Martin Odegaard if they are to win the Premier League.

“When comparing the full-strength Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City starting XIs, the title rivals have more quality in a particular area. Liverpool are short of a Martin Odegaard, Phil Foden or Kevin De Bruyne-style attacking midfielder – that X Factor in the middle of the park who elevates a side to the next level,” Carragher claimed.

Carragher also highlighted Arsenal’s smart recruitment at the back with Riccardo Calafiori as something Liverpool need to replicate.

“Liverpool also need another defender. I have been saying for a few years that the club needs a multi-purpose defender on the left – someone who can cover for Andrew Robertson or play centre-half without weakening the back line,” Carragher added.

“Manchester City have those utility defenders in Nathan Aké and Josko Gvardiol. Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori comes into the same category.”

Arsenal will miss Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori against Liverpool

Odegaard is still absent with injury, and losing the Arsenal captain has been a big blow in recent weeks. The midfielder joined for around £30m, and is now one of Arteta’s most trusted players.

Calafiori also picked up an injury which has ruled him out of the Liverpool game. The defender joined in the summer for around £34m, and was an instant hit as he scored a long-range goal against Manchester City on his full debut.

Both players could be decisive in the title race when they return, but whilst they are absent, Arsenal will have to deal with Liverpool’s threat, and try to break down their stubborn defence without them.