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Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool has a problem in defense that Arsenal could capitalize on in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners narrowed the gap on the Reds at the top of the table to four points after beating Tottenham in the North London derby on Wednesday, just 24 hours after Liverpool had been held to a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Arne Slot’s side does still hold a game in hand, although Arsenal does now have fewer games to contend with after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United. The next few weeks could prove to be crucial for both sides in their title hopes.
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Carragher is concerned that Liverpool’s full-backs could prove to be a major weakness in their attempts to be crowned champions. The former defender has already called upon the Reds to sign a new defender during the January transfer window, and he doubled down on that view during the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
“I look at Liverpool and it will be giving Arsenal confidence that defensively at this moment they’re not great in the fullback areas,” Carragher said.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold is that type of player that you can get in behind him. Currently, Andy Robertson is finding it hard. We’ve all been there as players and he’s going through that right now.
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool faces a problem with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson -Credit:Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
“Liverpool haven’t got a player that every other club has – a left sided defender who can play cente–back or left back. Arsenal have got Riccardo Calafiori, Manchester United have got Lisandro Martínez, Chelsea have got Levi Colwill, Manchester City have got Nathan Aké, and even Tottenham have Micky van de Ven. Liverpool need that left sided defender who can do a bit of both.
“If Liverpool sign that player in January, I’d be certain that they’d win the league.”
Former Arsenal star Ian Wright agreed with Carragher, suggesting that the door might be open for the Gunners in the title race as a result.
“Liverpool are top of the league, but defensively, you can feel there is a mistake in term, and in a couple games, you may be able to capitalise on that,” Wright said. “Can Arsenal recognise that? Can they take advantage of that?”
Liverpool.com says: There is little doubt that Liverpool needs a new defender now – whether that’s a new full-back or center-back, either way the backline could do with some freshening up. Hopefully FSG takes note of Carragher’s advice and makes a move in the January window.