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Jamie Carragher names biggest obstacle to Arsenal's title chase | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 21:35 GMT by Sporting News

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Injury Concerns and Squad Depth

Carragher’s first point was the issue of injuries. “We’ve had a lot of injuries to our first‑team players this season, and that has made it difficult to maintain a consistent core,” he said. He cited the loss of several key players in recent months – from the mid‑field dynamo Gabriel Jesus, who has struggled with a hamstring problem, to the defensive pair of Kieran Tierney and Gabriel – as examples of how an injury crisis can sap a team’s momentum. “When you lose a player who can influence the game in a big way, you need someone who can step into that role, and we haven’t had the depth to do that regularly,” Carragher added.

He also mentioned that the Gunners’ transfer window strategy will be under scrutiny. “We need to add depth at a couple of key positions,” he said. “We’re not just looking for big names; we need players who can contribute immediately and who have the ability to adapt to different roles if needed.” The comment points to the club’s desire to bring in versatile midfielders and defensive options who can cover injuries and rotate the squad effectively during the congested fixture schedule that characterizes the modern Premier League.

Consistency and Tactical Execution

Beyond injuries, Carragher singled out inconsistency as a prime obstacle. He explained that Arsenal has been “great in bursts” – capable of beating the best teams when they are at their peak – but “often slip in games where the opposition has a single or two key players who are not playing.” This suggests that the Gunners’ performance can fluctuate, depending on whether the opposition’s best players are fit or not. “When we’re at full strength, we can play a high, attacking game,” Carragher noted, “but in games where key opponents are missing, we sometimes lack the depth to adjust accordingly.”

Carragher also pointed to the importance of tactical execution. “We have a system that we’re comfortable with, but the ability to adapt that system to different opponents and to different situations is something we need to improve,” he said. He hinted at a shift in Arteta’s approach – from a defensive, counter‑attacking style to a more expansive, possession‑based system – and how the squad has struggled to fully absorb this shift. “We need more players who are comfortable holding the ball under pressure and can drive the game forward,” Carragher added.

Mental Resilience and Psychological Edge

In addition to physical and tactical challenges, Carragher highlighted the psychological dimension of winning a title. “The mental aspect is incredibly important,” he said. “We’ve seen other clubs that have the same number of points but win the league because they have a stronger mentality in the final stretch of the season.” He referenced the club’s recent “slumps” – the series of draws and narrow defeats that saw Arsenal lose ground in the title race – and the need to build confidence among the squad. “We’re going to work on the mindset of our players,” Carragher promised. “We’ll bring in a psychologist and focus on the mental aspect of the game, because mental resilience is key to winning a league title.”

The Role of New Signings and Management

Carragher’s comments also shed light on the role of new signings. He emphasized that the club’s strategy should not be limited to marquee signings but should include a mixture of experienced players and promising youth talent. “We want to build a squad that is cohesive, but we also want to bring in players who have a winning mentality,” he said. He also indicated that the club will keep an eye on other clubs’ transfer activity, suggesting that Arsenal might need to act decisively in the market to keep pace with rivals such as Manchester City and Liverpool. “We’re going to keep an eye on the market and make sure we’re able to sign the right players when the opportunity arises.”

Context: Arsenal’s Recent Performance

The interview was released at a time when Arsenal’s title hopes were under scrutiny. After a shaky start to the season and a recent dip in form, the Gunners found themselves in second place with a narrow margin over Manchester City. They had a mixed record in the UEFA Champions League, exiting in the group stage, and had struggled in the FA Cup. The club’s 10th‑place finish in the 2023‑24 season was also a concern. Carragher’s remarks suggest a roadmap for improvement that goes beyond the current season: focusing on injury prevention, expanding the squad, enhancing tactical flexibility, and building psychological resilience.

Follow‑up Articles and Sources

The Sporting News article also linked to a detailed match report on Arsenal’s 3‑2 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the season, illustrating how the Gunners have been capable of winning against big rivals but have had inconsistent performances otherwise. It also referenced a prior interview with Arteta, where he discussed his philosophy on building a team culture that prioritizes both attacking flair and defensive solidity. These links reinforce Carragher’s emphasis on a balanced squad that can adapt both in terms of tactics and mentality.

Conclusion

Jamie Carragher’s candid assessment provides Arsenal with a clear set of priorities if they hope to clinch a Premier League title. By addressing injuries, expanding depth, honing tactical adaptability, and reinforcing mental resilience, the Gunners can overcome the obstacles that have previously prevented them from achieving the ultimate domestic success. As Carragher takes on his new role, the expectation is that his experience as a player, coach, and now director will help guide Arsenal towards a stronger, more consistent, and mentally fortified campaign.