Jamie Carragher believes it is a myth that an injury to William Saliba cost Arsenal the title. Their 3-0 loss to Brighton has put an end to their challenge, as Manchester City currently leads the standings by four points after playing one fewer game than they did. Since Saliba’s season-ending back injury in March, the Gunners have struggled, with Mikel Arteta’s team picking up only nine points from their previous seven Premier League games. But according to Carragher, their defensive problems were evident even when Saliba joined the squad after the World Cup, and they continue to be without a really powerful player at the centre of their back.
“That has been the significant decline in defence. When you consider guys in my position who have won championships, you think of Vincent Kompany, Virgil van Dijk, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Jaap Stam, and John Terry. Although William Saliba may develop into one of those when I look at Arsenal’s centre-backs, I don’t think they fully have one of them yet,” Jamie Carragher said. “It reveals that they appeared entirely different defensively following the World Cup. Despite giving up goals, they were still getting results. Then they fall much lower without Saliba. Yes, that’s where they lost it, and even with Saliba at centre-back, they were still on top of the league, but it’s a lie that they weren’t giving up goals or seeming vulnerable.”
Carragher emphasised data demonstrating that, despite Arsenal continuing to perform well after the World Cup, their defensive woes really started when Saliba was still a member of the squad. Saliba, who made his debut for the French national squad this year, has the potential to one day reach that level, Carragher was eager to point out.
“I believe he has the ability to develop into a centre-back in the mould of Rio Ferdinand, Vincent Kompany, or Virgil van Dijk. Gabriel may or may not have,” he added. “I’m not denying that he would have had a significant impact on the remainder of the season. He undoubtedly would have given that he is superior to Kiwior and Rob Holding.”
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