‘Nothing I’ve seen suggests Arsenal will implode’: Jamie Carragher gives Gunners the advantage

Jamie Carragher has ditched Manchester United’s titles but believes Arsenal have what it takes to clinch a first Premier League title in 20 years this season.

Carragher has dashed both sides’ title hopes ahead of Sunday’s upcoming top-flight clash in the Emirates, which could see United close the gap to just five points or Arsenal extend their lead at the top.

The former Liverpool and England star believes Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Gunners are favorites to win the Premier League this season but has warned all Man United fans dreaming of a first league title under Erik ten Hag.

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal have what it takes to win the Premier League this season

Carragher cooled off talk of Man United making a title attack in the second half of the season

Carragher explained Arsenal are ahead of United in their transition process

Carragher outlined his expectations for last season, writing in The Telegraph: “Now Arsenal fit Arteta’s preferred vision of a fast, young, energetic side that focuses on ball retention and opens up teams when they camp in their half just as much as when they do go through the aisles from behind to the front.

“Ten Hag will know United are ready for the greatest honors if they have the same swagger. To get there.

Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates in Sunday’s late Premier League opener

Manchester United are the only team Arsenal have beaten so far this season, having emerged victorious at Old Trafford in September

“United need to prepare for bumps in the road as the transition continues. In the manager’s view, this season – and possibly even next – will be about laying the solid foundations until he has a starting XI that he knows can execute any game plan.

“Arsenal are first at this point. They are close to winning the title and they have to show that they can take that last step,” he added.

Carragher’s predictions contrast with recent statements by fellow former United defender Gary Neville, who sensationally claimed that Arsenal would not win the Premier League and would end up under his boyhood club instead, saying:

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (left) meets Mikel Artetas (right) Arsenal on Sunday

Carragher’s comments contradict Gary Neville (pictured), who backed Arsenal to end up under Manchester United

“You’re not going to win the league. Manchester City will win the league and I think Man Utd will finish runners-up and I know that will annoy Arsenal fans!

“I’d rather Arsenal win the league than Man City. I think it would be absolutely sensational for the Premier League.

“I would love for Man Utd to win but I don’t think that will happen this season.”

Carragher’s comments come from the back of United missing a chance to put the pressure on Arsenal heading into the weekend after Ten Hags Reds conceded late in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

However, United have already beaten Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City this season, while the Premier League leaders are yet to meet closest rivals City.

Carragher believes Arsenal are in control of their own destiny at mid-season and suggested there is no evidence the Gunners will ‘implode’.

Carragher believes the high-flying Arsenal are showing no signs of ‘implosing’ this season

Reigning champions Manchester City are Arsenal’s closest league challengers this season

“Right now they are slight favorites because even with 19 games left, eight points is a big lead if they win their game.

“If it stretches to 10 or 11, rather than being cut to six or five, Arsenal will enter ‘it’s their loser’ territory and put the pressure on City to go on one of their long winning streaks to catch up. Nothing I’ve seen so far suggests Arsenal will implode.