PREMIER LEAGUE RACE HEATS UP AS JAMIE CARRAGHER MAKES CALL
Jamie Carragher warns Arsenal that the Premier League title race pressure in March and April is their biggest hurdle. He believes their squad is currently better than Liverpool's but cites the run-in as a major test.
Arsenal has received an alarm from Jamie Carragher about the many traps that could cost them the Premier League championship. Before Liverpool's defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, the Gunners defeated West Ham United to take the top spot in the league table during the October international break.
After an incredible seven-game winning streak at the beginning of the season, Arne Slot's team suffered their third straight loss after losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray. Arsenal lost four points to Manchester City and Liverpool during this period, but they have since started a winning run of their own, winning four straight games with just one loss.
With just three goals given up in the Premier League, they defeated West Ham last weekend to record their seventh clean sheet of the year. Even though Mikel Arteta's team is beset by injuries, new additions have greatly increased the team's depth.
Carragher praised his contribution as a substitute in last month's comeback victory over Newcastle United, even though he has not been playing at his best lately.
Carragher also shared his thoughts on the title fight, offering a new angle on Arsenal's prospects as they compete against Liverpool for the championship.
On the most recent episode of The Overlap, he said, "The only thing that can stop you is that thing that has probably stopped other teams in the past, when you get to March and April, and there is so much hanging over your shoulder."
"I agree with what you stated; we have all said it: they have a team, and they are currently superior to Liverpool. They will come and play a little, but I never put my ticket [on Liverpool].
"I believe that, going into January in particular, what you used to do and what others used to say is three or four points behind the lead. Even in February, Liverpool might fall five or six points behind, in my opinion.
This last point is not conclusive, though, since Liverpool struggles with inconsistent play and loses some games. Significant changes were made to the playing group during the summer transfer window, and the situation is definitely being impacted by the record transfer of Alexander Isak's delayed signature.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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