ARSENAL'S SINGLE BIGGEST THREAT: JAMIE CARRAGHER REVEALS TITLE BLOCKER
Jamie Carragher says Arsenal have "no excuses" after their 4-1 derby win over Tottenham. With a six-point lead, he states the only thing that can stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League title is their own mindset. Thierry Henry agrees the time is now
After Arsenal's dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham, Jamie Carragher remarked that Arsenal only has itself to blame if they fail in the Premier League title race, as this result provided a six-point lead.
Eberechi Eze's hat-trick, the first in the north London derby since 1978, powered Mikel Arteta's team to a big win at the Emirates; his display showed that the Gunners are title contenders.
Carragher said that Arsenal are the favourites for the title, especially after Manchester City's defeat to Newcastle and Liverpool's slump. He thinks that Arsenal is the team to beat this year.
Carragher noted that Arsenal has finished second in the Premier League for the past three years (twice to Manchester City and once to Liverpool). He said that the Gunners won't have any excuses if they miss out on the title again.
Carragher mentioned on Sky Sports, The only team that can stop Arsenal from lifting the title is Arsenal. The only thing that can hold them back is their own mindset. The fans might get nervous in March or April if the title race is still close.
This is their year. If they don't win it, we'll all blame them for throwing it away. In the past, there was always a team that was a bit better, but that's not the situation this season.
Thierry Henry agreed with Carragher, saying that it's time for Arsenal to accept their role as title favourites.
He explained, Sooner or later, you have to accept it. People talk about trusting the process, but now it's happening.
We believe we have the best team, so we need to make sure we can win the league. I'm not saying they will, but they need to act like they are the favourites.”
Just accept it. I'm not trying to add pressure. If I were returning in the summer, I would say, 'It's time to get serious.' We need to perform so that people are scared of us.”
Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal needs to focus on themselves as they get ready for a pivotal week. He commented, “We have to take it one match at a time. The league is very competitive, and games are often decided by small margins. We need to keep our momentum going, enjoy this victory, and then concentrate on Bayern Munich.
Arsenal's next Premier League match will pose a challenge, as they face Chelsea, who are currently second, at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. They also have a game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek.
DERBY OUTRAGE: PETER BANKES DOUBLES DOWN ON DISALLOWED KOLO MUANI GOAL DESPITE MASSIVE CRITICISM
Referee verdict: Discover why Peter Bankes disallowed Kolo Muani’s goal and Keith Hackett’s "stupid and soft" reaction.
Referee Peter Bankes stood by his call to disallow Randal Kolo Muani’s equaliser in the North London derby, calling it “a very, very clear offence.”
The moment sparked outrage. Gabriel, Arsenal’s defender, hit the deck after Muani’s challenge in the box. Former Premier League referees’ chief Keith Hackett didn’t hold back, calling the decision “stupid and soft".
Bankes didn’t hesitate. He blew for a foul, ruled out the goal, and VAR stayed out of it, even as Spurs fans fumed. That goal would’ve levelled it at 2-2.
Bankes explained on the Match Officials Mic’d Up show: “I was exactly where I needed to be for a cross from the right. I saw the Tottenham player put two hands into the back of the Arsenal player. That’s what grabbed my attention. When you see that live, it looks like a straightforward push – a clear foul.
“I held off on the whistle to let play run, then made the call after the ball went in. That way, VAR could step in if I’d missed something or if it looked off. But honestly, on the pitch, it looked obvious.
“I’m still comfortable with my decision. Sure, things can look different at different speeds; slow motion isn’t the same as seeing it live. But I got one look, and I was confident the two hands on the back had enough impact to be a foul.
“I know people will split on this, but I’m comfortable. That’s a free kick for me.”
The decision was a huge break for Arsenal, who ended up winning 4-1. As far as Spurs fans were concerned, Gabriel got away with one.
Ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher backed Bankes up: “The on-field decision always stands. The ref saw enough for a push. VAR isn’t going to overturn that when the evidence is there.”
THE GIBBS-WHITE PROJECT: WHY MANCHESTER UNITED SEE THE FOREST STAR AS THEIR NEXT PLAYMAKER
United transfer hub. Get the report on wage bill cuts, the Forest playmaker, and City’s rival interest.
Manchester United still have a bit of a wait before the summer transfer window opens, but talk around Old Trafford is already heating up. People keep linking United with all kinds of new signings for when the season wraps up.
Michael Carrick has made quite the impression as United’s interim head coach so far. The club handed him the reins until the end of the season, and honestly, he’s done well with the opportunity.
Still, no one really knows who’ll be in charge next season. That uncertainty just adds fuel to the rumours about which players United will chase in the transfer market.
Right now, everything hinges on Champions League qualification. United sit fourth in the Premier League after a 1-0 win over Everton on Monday night. That spot could make all the difference for summer plans.
Morgan Gibbs-White's claim
Now, United have reportedly joined the hunt for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. The Daily Mail says United are keeping an eye on the Forest playmaker, maybe even lining up a summer move.
But there’s a snag: United want to bring down their wage bill, and that could make signing Gibbs-White tricky.
Manchester City are also said to be interested, and Tottenham apparently tried to sign the 26-year-old with a £60 million offer, but that move fell apart.
Man United's Scott McTominay stance
As for Scott McTominay, it sounds like United aren’t planning a reunion. Despite recent talk about bringing the Napoli midfielder back, TEAMtalk reports United aren’t interested, and the idea hasn’t even come up in the recruitment department.
Napoli now values McTominay at close to £70 million, just a year and a half after he left United for around £25 million. He made the move to Italy in the summer of 2024 and, in his first season, helped Napoli win the Serie A title.
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