Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal are in a position of rare strength, one that places the responsibility for the Premier League title squarely on their own shoulders. The former Liverpool defender gave a lengthy assessment on Sky Sports after watching Mikel Arteta’s team overwhelm Tottenham Hotspur by four goals to one in a convincing North London derby performance on Sunday.
The derby result did more than give Arsenal bragging rights. It took them six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and extended a run of form that continues to fuel belief among supporters that the club is finally ready to end years of frustration in the title race. For three consecutive seasons Arsenal have finished in second place. On each occasion they played sustained, attractive football but eventually fell short of the consistency required to eclipse the eventual champions. This season feels different to Carragher and to many others who have followed their development under Arteta.
Carragher explained that the biggest difference is not simply the points gap or the quality of the football. It is the depth and maturity of the squad, which he considers the strongest in the division. In his view Arsenal no longer trail behind another dominant Premier League force. Instead they have emerged as the leading team in the competition with the balance, depth and tactical identity needed to sustain a long title march into the spring.
Speaking after the match, Carragher stated that Arsenal have become the side to beat and that only they can disrupt their own progress. He described them as the most complete team in the Premier League and insisted that their biggest opponent from now until May will not be Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea or any other traditional challenger, but their own mentality. Carragher argued that Arsenal have spent the last few seasons learning painful lessons in pressure situations and are now better equipped to handle title expectations.
He noted that in previous campaigns there was always one team that appeared slightly stronger than Arsenal. Whether it was Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City or another in form contender, Arsenal found themselves just short at the crucial moments. Carragher stressed that this pattern is not repeating itself this season. Instead he sees Arsenal setting the level and forcing the rest of the league to respond.
He praised their attacking fluency, their compact defensive organisation and their growing resilience in matches that require composure under pressure. The four to one victory over Tottenham served as another example. After conceding control early in the second half, Arsenal regained momentum, increased the tempo and punished Spurs with ruthless efficiency. Carragher pointed out that these are the types of performances that distinguish genuine title contenders from talented but inconsistent teams.
The former defender also reflected on the psychological challenge that comes with leading the Premier League table for extended periods. Being chased is a different type of pressure compared to chasing. According to Carragher, Arsenal have developed greater emotional discipline and a stronger collective mentality. He believes they now have the maturity to manage big moments, survive difficult stretches and maintain self belief even when results tighten the race.
Supporters at the Emirates Stadium will remember how previous seasons faltered due to injuries, dropped points against lower ranked opposition or loss of focus in key fixtures. Carragher acknowledged these setbacks but argued that Arsenal have learned from them. The depth in their squad, especially in midfield and attack, provides the balance required to navigate the long and demanding Premier League schedule.
Carragher warned, however, that complacency could still be dangerous. He highlighted that the Premier League remains unpredictable and one poor month can reshape the table entirely. Yet he concluded that this season the advantage lies with Arsenal. They hold the strongest squad in the league, the most consistent form and the clearest identity. In his assessment, the only force capable of stopping Arsenal from lifting the trophy is Arsenal themselves.
For supporters who have lived through years of near misses and heartache, Carragher’s verdict adds to the growing belief that this campaign could finally mark the end of Arsenal’s title drought. The team now carries both the expectation and the opportunity to transform belief into history.
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