Jamie Carragher has played down ’s title chances and says they are only in a fight for second place with his former side Liverpool.
have dominated the top-flight in recent seasons, lifting five of the last six Premier League trophies.
But after Arsenal pushed ’s side all the way last term, some pundits, including Gary Neville, .
just before the international break, a result Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta feels will ‘define the momentum of the season’.
But Carragher still believes City are firm title favourites and has suggested that Liverpool may be bigger challengers than Arsenal this term.
‘The only way Liverpool – or anyone else – can win the Premier League is if Manchester City wobble,’ Carragher told . ‘City’s recent defeats by Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal have given the rest a glimmer of hope.
‘If Liverpool are in a position to take advantage, that is beyond the pre-season expectations. Arsenal are considered the most likely to pip City. Are Arsenal better than Liverpool? We will know by Christmas.
‘Liverpool’s attacking options are frightening but they are still conceding too many goals and will continue to do so until Klopp fixes the lingering midfield issue – he needs a No 6.
‘That aside, there is enough quality in the squad to suggest Liverpool will be in a duel with Arsenal. I still think their battle is for second place.
‘As the new Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk’s next trophy at Anfield will feel as rewarding as any. He may feel time is running out. His contract expires in 2025.
‘Given he will be nearly 34 by then, Fenway Sports Group’s model suggests he is unlikely to get another on the same terms – in excess of £300,000 a week – as he commands right now.
‘There has been a rush to speculate as to how and when Liverpool will ever replace Van Dijk. Chelsea’s Thiago Silva proves age can just be a number for the greatest centre-backs.
‘Liverpool are unlikely to ever find a defender comparable to the one they signed in 2018, but a young defender as good as Van Dijk is in 2023 would still be worth £75 million.’
