Jamie Carragher has once again raised concerns over Arsenal’s ability to secure the Premier League title this season, pinpointing three players in particular who he believes will prevent them from winning the coveted trophy. After Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, which saw them throw away a 2-0 lead, Carragher, a Sky Sports pundit, offered his critical analysis of the team’s front three. While Arsenal has been involved in tight title races in the past two seasons, falling short both times against Manchester City, this season’s competition appears to be more varied, with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest also in the race. Carragher, however, remains unconvinced that Arsenal can clinch the league title, citing the inconsistency and underperformance of their current attacking trio as a major issue.
Carragher’s analysis focused on the combination of players Arsenal is relying on in attack. He pointed to Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz as the players who have not been up to the task of leading the team’s charge for the title. While Arsenal’s attack has shown moments of quality, Carragher believes that these players simply do not measure up to the calibre of previous attacking trios that have won Premier League titles. As an example, he highlighted Arsenal’s former attacking line-up, which included Marc Overmars, Nicolas Anelka, and Dennis Bergkamp, suggesting that this current trio lacks the same level of quality and impact. His critique was clear: “This team, at the moment, is playing with Martinelli, Trossard, and Havertz, it’s not enough.”
Gabriel Martinelli, a key player for Arsenal, has had a mixed season so far. Although he managed to score in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, his overall form has been inconsistent, with only six Premier League goals to his name this season. For a player of Martinelli’s potential, this is seen as a disappointing return, especially when compared to his breakthrough performances in previous seasons. His struggles in front of goal have been a concern for Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal relies heavily on him as part of their attacking unit.
Leandro Trossard, who was brought in from Brighton in January 2023, has also struggled to make a consistent impact this season. Despite offering versatility in attack and playing in a variety of forward positions, Trossard has only scored four goals in his second full season with Arsenal. While he has shown flashes of creativity and technical ability, he has not yet been able to consistently deliver the kind of performances needed for a team competing for the league title. His inability to contribute more regularly in front of goal has only compounded Arsenal’s struggles in attack, particularly with Bukayo Saka sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Kai Havertz, who made a high-profile move to Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, has also struggled to live up to expectations. Though he managed to score a goal against Aston Villa, Havertz’s overall performances have been underwhelming, and he has not provided the kind of goal-scoring or creative output Arsenal would have hoped for when they signed him. With only eight Premier League goals so far this season, Havertz has yet to show the level of consistency and contribution that is expected from a player of his caliber. While Havertz’s technical abilities are undeniable, the question remains whether he can rise to the occasion in high-stakes matches and contribute consistently to Arsenal’s push for the title.
Carragher’s criticism comes at a time when Arsenal is missing one of its key players, Bukayo Saka. Saka, who has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers in recent seasons, has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in December. His absence has been felt deeply by the team, and with no clear return date for the winger, many Arsenal fans have called for the club to strengthen their attacking options in the January transfer window. Without Saka, Arsenal has lacked the spark and creativity that he typically brings to their attack. His return is not expected until March, leaving the Gunners to rely on their current attacking options, which Carragher believes are simply not good enough to secure a Premier League title.
The 2-2 draw with Aston Villa was another disappointing result for Arsenal, as they let a two-goal lead slip away. This match, which saw Martinelli and Havertz both score, further highlighted the inconsistencies in Arsenal’s attack. Despite being in control for much of the game, Arsenal was unable to hold on to their advantage, which is something Carragher believes could cost them the title in the long run. With Liverpool and Nottingham Forest both picking up crucial wins over the weekend, Arsenal’s slip-up meant that their title aspirations took a further blow.
Carragher’s verdict is that Arsenal’s current attacking setup simply does not have the firepower needed to compete with the top teams in the Premier League. While Martinelli, Trossard, and Havertz all possess individual talent, they have not been able to form a cohesive and potent attacking unit that can deliver consistent results. Arsenal’s failure to secure wins in key matches, particularly against teams like Aston Villa, will likely cost them in the race for the title, according to Carragher. In order to have a real chance of winning the Premier League, Arsenal will need their front three to step up and deliver more consistently.
The debate surrounding Arsenal’s attacking options has sparked wider discussions about the club’s transfer strategy and future plans. With the January transfer window open, some Arsenal fans are hoping the club will bring in a new forward to provide more depth and quality in attack. A potential signing could offer Arteta more options and help cover for Saka’s absence, providing an extra spark for the team in the second half of the season. However, whether the club will make a move remains to be seen, as Arteta has been careful in his approach to the transfer market.
In the short term, Arsenal will need to focus on getting the best out of their current attacking players. Martinelli, Trossard, and Havertz must find consistency and improve their performances if the team is to have any hope of winning the title. Arteta will also need to find ways to cope with Saka’s continued absence and ensure that the team can maintain a high level of performance without one of their best players.
Arsenal’s next match will see them return to the Champions League, where they will face Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium. While their Premier League title hopes are uncertain, the Champions League provides a different challenge for the team, and a strong performance in Europe could help to boost confidence and momentum for the rest of the season. However, the lingering question remains whether Arsenal’s current front three has the necessary quality to deliver a Premier League title, as Carragher has suggested. Only time will tell whether they can rise to the occasion and prove their doubters wrong.
