Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher (47) criticized Mikel Arteta (43), the manager, for his interview.
Arsenal drew 2-2 with Liverpool during the 36th round away match of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) held at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on the 12th (Korean time).
Arsenal fell behind after conceding consecutive goals to KODI Gakpo and Luis Diaz in the 20th and 21st minutes of the first half. However, Arsenal equalized with a goal from Gabriel Martinelli in the 2nd minute of the second half and another from Mikel Merino in the 25th minute.
Arsenal struggled to turn the game around until the end. However, with Merino's red card in the 34th minute of the second half, they were left with one player short and were pushed back, leaving them with regrets.
According to the 'Daily Mail' in the UK on the 12th (Korean time), Arteta, the Arsenal manager, noted after the match against Liverpool, "If we keep getting sent off six times this season, winning next year will be impossible," adding, "We have to learn a lot." This refers to the situation where Merino was sent off.
Carragher responded, "Arteta has been speaking too emotionally lately. Sometimes he seems more like a fan than a manager," and added, "He seems to feel deeply that he has been wronged this season. Six red cards, numerous injuries. Ultimately, he thinks, 'We missed out on winning because of the referee and injuries.'"
Arsenal has been on a 15-match unbeaten run this season, raising expectations for the league title. However, Liverpool secured the title prematurely with four matches remaining, leaving Arsenal frustrated at the threshold of victory once again.
Also, Arsenal was blocked by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League and was eliminated in the semifinals, while they were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) and the Football Association (FA) Cup by Newcastle United and Manchester United (Man U) respectively.
Ultimately, Arsenal has faced another trophyless season under Arteta's management after winning the FA Cup in 2020. It appears that Arteta will have to be content with finishing as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons.
Carragher argued, "This season should have been Arsenal's season. Next season, there will be immense pressure on Arteta for 'winning' without fail."
He continued, "From the board's perspective, they likely do not want to change the manager easily, but if there are no championships for 5-6 years, it will be difficult to avoid criticism from the outside," emphasizing that "They will ponder 'Which manager can lead us to the next level.'"
Carragher also stated, "Arteta's achievements at Arsenal are significant. Changing him could be risky," and warned, "Arsenal could end up like Chelsea. A team that used to finish 2nd every year could become a team that doesn't even qualify for the Champions League."
In particular, he warned, "The biggest dilemma Arsenal will face in the next 12 months will be whether to change the manager. If they get close to winning again next year but fail to cross the 'finish line,' that could happen."
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