Carragher: Haaland is Arsenal's number one threat
Jamie Carragher believes Man City, thanks to Erling Haaland's form (11 Premier League goals, 4 in the Champions League), is the biggest threat to Arsenal's championship ambitions.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League, but Jamie Carragher warns their biggest rival is no longer Liverpool but Manchester City – because of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker is in form with 11 goals in the Premier League and four more in the Champions League, becoming the variable that could decide the race.
Arsenal takes the lead, Liverpool loses steam, Man City holds the "key" thanks to Haaland
Despite being hit by a number of injuries since the start of the season, Mikel Arteta’s side have maintained stability and depth. On the contrary, Liverpool – once considered a strong candidate – are showing signs of running out of steam. In that context, Pep Guardiola’s Man City have emerged as a direct challenge for Arsenal thanks to their main goal scorer Haaland.
Message from Carragher
In an article in The Telegraph, the former Liverpool midfielder wrote: “Arsenal went into the season worried that Liverpool would be the biggest obstacle in their journey to ending their 21-year wait for the title. But now, the biggest threat may be Erling Haaland.”
Carragher further explained the influence of the Norwegian striker: “The Norwegian player is the biggest reason why Pep Guardiola and Man City are still full of opportunities to reclaim the throne. Without Haaland, perhaps the most realistic goal for City this season is just the top 4. I maintain my point of view, Haaland is already the greatest goalscorer that English football has ever witnessed.”
“Normally, a team racing for the title relying too much on one player would be a worrying sign. But for Guardiola, it’s a blessing. Haaland can make a difference at any time, and he’s a real ‘assassin’ – worthy of being compared to the greatest legends,” he concluded.
Tactical angle: “Killer” in Guardiola's system
Carragher’s comment highlights a tactical paradox: dependence is often a risk, but with a striker who can “make a difference at any time”, it becomes an advantage. In Guardiola’s control structure, a striker with the ability to finish like Haaland gives Man City a way to resolve a deadlock. This poses a special problem for Arsenal: maintaining defensive discipline in every phase of play, because even a moment of lapse in concentration is enough for Haaland to punish.
With an influence described as the biggest in the league, Haaland forces opponents to adjust their defensive priorities, thereby creating a chain effect on City's operation. That explains why, according to Carragher, it is the Norwegian striker who is the pillar that keeps Man City in a position to challenge for the title.
Important statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Erling Haaland's Premier League goals | 11 |
| Erling Haaland's goal in the Champions League | 4 |
Impact on the championship race
Arsenal have shown resilience despite their depleted squad, but Carragher believes the biggest test lies ahead: dealing with Man City in the acceleration phase, when Haaland maintains his high scoring rate. He even stressed that without Haaland, City’s most realistic target would be a top-four finish – a way to confirm the striker’s key role in the title race.
While Liverpool have not yet fully resolved the issues pointed out, Carragher sees the balance of power tilting towards City – a team with individuals who can break any game. For Arsenal, the challenge is not only to keep the rhythm, but also to control the risks against a “killer” who will pay the price for even the smallest mistake.
Carragher's conclusion reshapes the picture: Arsenal are still in the lead, but Haaland – and therefore Man City – are the number one threat to the dream of ending the 21-year wait for the Premier League title.
