Jamie Carragher is not convinced that Arsenal have a “world class” attack and Gabriel Martintelli is singled out as a player who is “really struggling” this season.
The Gunners missed the chance to climb to the top of the Premier League on New Year’s Eve after defeat to Fulham, their second defeat in a week as they also beat West Ham United at home.
Arsenal’s top three have so far scored 20 goals: Bukayo Saka (nine), Gabriel Jesus (seven) and Martinelli (four), while Martin Odegaard has also contributed seven goals.
Arsenal have also scored more goals, with Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham all scoring.
Former Liverpool defender Carragher believes that Arsenal’s lack of world-class players like Mohamed Salah or Erling Haaland will ultimately cost them the Premier League title.
He told Sky Sports: “At the moment it’s a game of survival: are they a bit too organised in attack? When was the last time you can remember that trio or Odegaard scoring a goal or going down the dribble and doing something that made you go ‘wow’.
“It looks very organised, but in my opinion it’s a bit too much in that respect.
“Arsenal have four top players. I have no doubt about that. The criticism we have of them is that they are not world class. And do I believe they can become world class? I think Saka can.
“In this league, Liverpool have won titles because they have Mohamed Salah. City have won titles in the past because they had [Sergio] Aguero and now they have Erling Haaland.
Is that enough for Arsenal to win the title? Are any of them world-class at the moment to take them to the title? I would say no.
Carragher also labelled Martinelli as someone whose form has suffered this season.
“Among the top four players, he is the one who is really struggling,” Carragher continued.
“Last season they had [Granit] Xhaka in that position, who was a fixed eight on the left. Now it was [Leandro] Trossard, sometimes Declan Rice. [Kai] Havertz played there as well. I don’t think that helps Martinelli.