Carragher claims Arsenal more 'vulnerable' as Arteta weighs tactical gamble
Jamie Carragher believes Mikel Arteta is facing a defining tactical dilemma this season: stick with the defensively solid approach that won Arsenal the Premier League, or embrace a more expansive style that could leave the Gunners exposed.
Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, a result that leaves them with just one defeat in all competitions this season. That solitary loss came against Brighton in the Premier League, but Arsenal have responded since with contrasting performances, an attacking turnaround win over Leeds United, a grind it out 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, and a dynamic 2-1 win over Chelsea.
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Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher said the consensus is that Arsenal improving on last season's title triumph requires playing more adventurously while finding the extra quality needed to win the Champions League. He described Wednesday's draw with Bayern as a step in that direction.
“It was an end to end, entertaining game in the Allianz Arena. Arsenal's late equaliser was a work of art which undermined the accusation they do not produce enough silky, attacking football,” Carragher wrote.
Lacking 'stardust' up front
Despite the praise for Arsenal's attacking moments, Carragher was less convinced about their prospects of going all the way in Europe. “Even so, as it stands, it is difficult to make a compelling argument that Arsenal will win the Champions League without more stardust upfront,” he said. “They lack the weapons of the other European contenders, especially Paris St-Germain, so when the moment of truth comes against the very best in the knockout rounds, the likelihood is Arteta's side will lack the necessary ammunition.”
Carragher also referenced Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius Junior in the summer transfer window, suggesting the Real Madrid forward would not have been as defensively diligent as Arteta demands from his attackers. “Arteta demands his attackers embrace defensive responsibilities. That's his make up. Tactically, he remains more like Jose Mourinho than Wenger,” he added.
The big decision facing Arteta
PSG's attacking firepower, shown by scoring four goals against both Barcelona and Manchester City, was highlighted as the benchmark Arsenal must contend with. On their way to last season's Champions League final, Arsenal conceded just two goals across the knockout stages, underlining defensive solidity as Arteta's greatest asset, even if it has not yet delivered European glory.
“The fundamental question for Arteta right now is what can and should he do about it? Stick with a successful blueprint that has earned admiration and won the Premier League, or make the necessary tweaks which might make Arsenal more loved and a better watch every week, but also more vulnerable?” Carragher asked.
He added that staying the current course would likely secure another league title, while shifting the balance toward attack risks undermining the qualities that have made Arsenal so dominant domestically.
With Liverpool and Manchester City no longer the force they once were under Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola respectively, Arteta may feel he has more license to experiment than at any point since taking charge. How he balances that opportunity against the demands of a title defence will shape the rest of Arsenal's season.
