"The only team that can stop Arsenal from winning the title is themselves. Arsenal is the strongest team, with the best squad depth", Carragher told Sky Sports after Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Tottenham on matchday 12 of the Premier League. "The only thing that could make them stumble in the race is their own mentality, their anxiety, or pressure from the fans in march, april if the race remains tight. If they do not win the title this season, everyone will say they threw it away themselves".
Yesterday at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal dominated the game and crushed Tottenham 4-1. Eberechi Eze shone with a hat-trick, becoming the first player to achieve this in a North London derby since Alan Sunderland in December 1978.
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Eberechi Eze slid on the grass to celebrate his goal during Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Tottenham on matchday 12 of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 23/11. Photo: AP |
Carragher admitted he had underestimated Eze's impact when Arsenal signed him from Crystal Palace for a total fee of 90 million USD. "When Eze arrived, I did not think it was a game-changing signing", the former England defender said. "But he is proving me wrong. A hat-trick, along with his all-round contributions, shows Eze can make a difference in the title race".
Sharing his view with Carragher, legend Thierry Henry believes Arsenal should not shy away from expectations. "It is time to accept that", he said. "People talk about the process, but they no longer need to believe in it, because it is happening. Arsenal has the best squad, and they must show themselves to be top contenders. I am not creating pressure, but if I returned to the club in the summer, I would say: it is time to stop playing cat and mouse. Arsenal needs to make every opponent fear them".
The former French forward also praised Eze, who played as a false nine in the derby. "He has special composure", he commented. "Today Eze appeared in the penalty area multiple times, breaking away from defenders to find space for shots. At Crystal Palace, when he was pulled back to play as a number 10, he saw the game differently. And against Tottenham, Arsenal not using a typical number 9 helped Eze penetrate the penalty area more easily; sometimes he was the number 9 himself".
Meanwhile, Les Ferdinand was disappointed with Tottenham's performance. The visitors controlled possession for 43% and had two shots on target; one was Richarlison's chipped goal from approximately 32,3 meters.
"They came to Emirates with five defenders and played passively", the former Tottenham striker remarked. "Arsenal won 4-1, but it was not a five-star performance. The score was brilliant, but they did not even need to accelerate. Tottenham showed no derby spirit whatsoever".
According to Ferdinand, Arsenal had three players making their North London derby debut while Tottenham had only one, yet it was the visitors who played soullessly. "There was no feeling this was a derby. Truly disappointing", he expressed.
The 4-1 victory helped Arsenal solidify their top spot in the Premier League with 29 points, pulling six points clear of second-placed Chelsea. Man City stands third with 22 points, while defending champions Liverpool dropped to 11th with 18 points.
Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports)
