Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on this season’s title challengers following the 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal on Saturday.
Arsenal took an lead early at Anfield through a Gabriel header, but were promptly pegged back by the hosts when Mohamed Salah scored his twelth Premier League goal of the season to equalize.
The game was marred by controversy, with the hosts being denied a penalty after Martin Odegaard appeared to handle the ball in the box with referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision not to award a spot kick upheld by VAR.
Kostas Tsimikas is also set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured collarbone after a challenge with Bukayo Saka left him colliding with Jurgen Klopp in his technical area.
Speaking following the game Carragher lamented his former side’s misfiring forward line, noting that Klopp may need to hunt for offensive reinforcements in January as Luis Diaz struggles to recapture his form after returning from injury.
The former centre-back also offered his opinion on what implications Saturday’s clash could have on the title race, noting that of the two sides Mikel Arteta’s men look to more likely at this stage to challenge for top spot.
‘I think I would favour Arsenal over Liverpool,’ said Carragher on Sky Sports.
‘When I look at that strength of the two centre-backs [William Saliba and Gabriel] and Declan Rice in midfield, they look really solid.
‘Coming to Anfield, it was tough for them but they really didn’t give away too many chances. It was the same at Aston Villa, they were unfortunate to lose that.
‘And Liverpool and Aston Villa are the two best teams at home this season, the records tell you that.
‘Even though Arsenal only picked up a point from those two games, I was more impressed with the performances than what they picked up points wise.’
Saturday’s result sees the Gunners retain top spot having lost just twice in their opening sixteen games.
Defending champions Manchester City are currently six points behind in fifth, but can halve that deficit when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Wednesday.
