Jamie Carragher has identified a potential early tripping hazard in Arsenal's bid to secure a first Premier League title in two decades.
The Gunners pushed Manchester City all the way last season, taking the title race right to the final day before being pipped to the post by Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side once again.
Mikel Arteta's side managed to claim victories in 16 of their final 18 games en route to an impressive points total, but Carragher insisted that their lone defeat in that run ultimately shattered their ambitions of silverware.
'Reduced to the simplest terms, had Arsenal beaten Villa once in the Premier League last season they would be champions.' The former Liverpool defender wrote in his column for The Telegraph.
'Their bid effectively ended when they were defeated 2-0 by Unai Emery’s side on April 14, having lost to their ex-manager the previous December.'
Following a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wolves in their Premier League opener last weekend, on Saturday the club will take on the only team to record back-to-back Premier League wins over last season.
Carragher added that even at such an early point in the campaign, securing a victory could prove massively consequential in Arsenal's bid for the title.
'The title “run-in” effectively started on the opening weekend because any points carelessly dropped before Christmas have the potential to haunt a side in May,' he continued.
'That makes Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa a huge psychological test early on. It sounds ridiculous to suggest Arsenal cannot afford to lose at Villa Park as they did last season – a match they deserved to get at least a draw from.
'It would be daft to lose confidence because of an early setback, if it happened.
'The problem is not so much the repercussions if they drop points at one of the toughest venues, but the weight of history when trying to keep pace with City.
'The champions make it seem like every dropped point is crucial, which means the rest feel under unbearable pressure from the outset.'
Arsenal have continued to look to improve their squad as they prepare for another title charge, having already signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori earlier this summer.
On Thursday the club agreed a deal worth £33m to sign Spain international Mikel Merino on a four-year deal from Real Sociedad.
winabcekls
0
If he’s that good why is he not a manager.
kaccilnopy
0
his 1 thing he referred to was taking 3 in matches is vital in becoming a champion, that's ir
kaccilnopy
1
d man wan carry advice give arsenal people, una come dey abuse or conderm d man
fanaceiop
0
That's how Carragher makes his living by spitting 'brown stuff ' about others, they sell newspapers so to speak.
Kiaalnprst
0
have he ever won the Premier league 😂😂😝😝
husbklnorz
3
what is the one thing he revealed?
oniel ebanks
2
why didn't he do it at Liverpool?
Lidbeklruy
2
people like to talk about Arsenal.instead of talking about their teams and that proves without dought that Arsenal has become.one of the feared team in the Epl or it is just because they are jealous to see the team competing in the top four consecutively outclassing the big gunns only to be overtaken by Manchester City in 2022/23 and 2023/2024 season and they are not sure what will happen this year since they have signed this strong players to fill the weak positions at the back and midfield
Fakbceikrs
2
Isn’t Liverpool in the league? Focus on your team and leave us alone please!!!
young_boss
5
Why always Arsenal? focus on your team!!