Jamie Carragher has delivered a scathing verdict on Mikel Arteta’s game plan after Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The former Liverpool defender accused the Gunners boss of “wasting 45 minutes” with an overly cautious first-half approach.
Gabriel Martinelli’s stunning late equaliser salvaged a point for Arsenal, but Carragher argued that Arteta’s tactical choices allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to seize control early on.
City had taken the lead through Erling Haaland’s clinical finish after a rapid counter-attack left Arsenal exposed.
Arteta was forced to react at half-time, bringing on Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke and introducing £60million summer signing Eberechi Eze for Mikel Merino.
The changes sparked an improvement, but Carragher questioned why Arsenal did not start the match with more attacking intent.
“Arsenal wasted 45 minutes,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“For me, they are the best squad in the Premier League and I expected them to come here and win.
Jamie Carragher has delivered a scathing verdict on Mikel Arteta’s game plan after Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday
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“Arteta has a side capable of winning the title and even competing for the Champions League, but too often he sets up with the handbrake on in these big matches.
“That is what cost us at Liverpool under Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez. We were always close but never quite there.
“I fear Arsenal may fall into the same trap.”
Carragher warned that with Liverpool already five points clear after a perfect start, Arsenal cannot afford to drop points in key fixtures.
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Arsenal earned a draw against Manchester City on Sunday with Gabriel Martinelli scoring late
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The Gunners’ only defeats and draws so far have come in matches against direct rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Gary Neville echoed Carragher’s criticism, suggesting Arteta had picked too conservative a line-up by starting Leandro Trossard and Merino.
“If you make two substitutions at half-time, it tells you the original plan has gone wrong,” Neville said.
“This is the second time this season after Anfield where Arsenal have waited until going behind to play on the front foot.”
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Roy Keane also weighed in, arguing that Arsenal’s mentality must shift if they are serious about ending their two-decade title drought.
“Too many draws are the difference between champions and runners-up,” Keane said.
“Liverpool have shown that even when things go wrong, they take risks to win games.
“Arsenal have the quality and depth. What are they waiting for? Arteta should demand more.”
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta celebrates Gabriel Martinelli's late goal against Manchester City on Sunday
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Arsenal have finished second for three consecutive seasons and drew 14 matches last campaign.
With Liverpool now setting the standard, Carragher, Neville and Keane all agree that Arteta’s side must start big games faster if they are to turn near-misses into silverware.
The pressure is mounting ahead of Arsenal’s next fixture, and the Emirates crowd will expect Arteta to unleash his attacking stars from the first whistle.
The Gunners return to action on Wednesday night where they'll face Port Vale in the third round of the Carabao Cup (8pm).