Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher warned that Arsenal must continue winning their remaining Premier League fixtures if they are to secure the title, after analysing the weekend’s results that left both the Gunners and Manchester City level on points.
On Saturday, Arsenal edged West Ham United 1‑0 at the London Stadium, while City delivered a 3‑0 thrashing of Brentford at the Emirates the previous day. The outcomes left the two clubs tied on 80 points each, with Arsenal holding a five‑point advantage but possessing a slimmer remaining schedule.
Carragher pointed out that Arsenal’s prospects hinge on not only maintaining their lead but also on the margin of City’s forthcoming victories. “If City can beat Crystal Palace by three or four goals, the goal‑difference swing could put real pressure on Arsenal,” he said. “A large goal‑difference advantage for Manchester City going into the final round would make a draw for Arsenal feel costly.”
Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures comprise a home match against Burnley and an away game at Crystal Palace. City, meanwhile, still face Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa in their final three outings. Carragher cautioned that while Arsenal’s five‑point cushion looks comfortable on paper, the Gunners cannot afford any slip‑ups.
“The title race is effectively a race against the clock,” Carragher added. “If Arsenal do not keep winning, they risk handing Manchester City a pathway to overtake them on goal difference, and that would likely decide the championship.”
The former Liverpool stalwart’s comments come as both clubs prepare for the decisive closing weeks of the season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the need for consistency, and City’s Pep Guardiola will be looking to restore the team’s attacking potency after a comparatively modest win at Brentford.
With the league now in its final stretch, the battle for supremacy appears poised to hinge on goal margins as much as points. Should either side falter, the other will be poised to seize the initiative. For Arsenal, the imperative is clear: keep winning, or risk seeing their title hopes evaporate.
