Arsenal are six points behind Liverpool with an extra game played in the Premier League and Mikel Arteta needs to bolster his attack in the January transfer window
Jamie Carragher reckons Arsenal will come up second best in the Premier League again this season – unless manager Mikel Arteta sees two new signings arrive in the January transfer window.
The Gunners trail Liverpool by six points with an extra game played after a nervy win against Ipswich Town on Friday night and with star man Bukayo Saka set for a couple of months on the sidelines owing to surgery on a torn hamstring, Arteta is looking light on firepower up front.
Carragher, then, is tipping his former club to win the title with Arsenal next best and Chelsea in this place.
“Arsenal’s biggest problem right now is their injuries,” he wrote in his latest Telegraph column. “They managed to avoid too much disruption in the last two years but their squad has been stretched this time.
“But I am speaking with my head and heart when saying Liverpool will pip them to first place. Arne Slot’s attacking options are the strongest in the Premier League. My only worry for Liverpool is if they pick up injuries to their big players.
“If they can avoid them, they will be difficult to catch. Chelsea will finish third and despite their issues I see Man City finishing in the last Champions League spot.”
And Carragher went on to say that the Gunners must add a couple more top attackers in the January transfer window if they are to find a way to usurp Slot’s men.
“Arteta has been too reliant on the same players, none more so than Bukayo Saka,” he added. “Arteta needs at least two more top attacking players. I am not talking about back-ups in the event of injury but starters who will keep the opposition manager guessing as to what the starting XI will be.”
Arsenal do not play again until New Year’s Day when they make the short trip to Brentford. The Bees tasted defeat for the first time at home all season against Nottingham Forest last weekend but still possess the joint-best home record in the division alongside Liverpool.
Concering the Reds, Carragher said he believes Mohamed Salah could become only the second African player to win the Ballon d’Or.
“Salah’s goal and assist tally is consistently amazing and there is no bigger admirer of his talent than me, regardless of what his fan club on social media might say,” Carragher added.
“Salah has stated in the past that he wants to become the second African to win the Ballon d’Or after George Weah did so in 1995. I think he has a great chance.”
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