Carragher Warns Arteta: Arsenal Risks “Handbrake” Syndrome Like My Liverpool Days

Jamie Carragher has warned Mikel Arteta that Arsenal may be falling into the same trap he witnessed during his time at Liverpool—being a top-team that gets so cautious in big moments that they effectively put the “handbrake on.” He made the comments after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, pointing out that Arsenal’s first half was overly defensive and lacked ambition.

Carragher said that at Liverpool under Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benítez, he often saw the team playing with too much caution in games they could have won. He feels Arteta is doing something similar now: setting up his side in a way that avoids risk rather than going all-out in key moments.

He criticised Arteta’s team selection and approach, especially noting that Arsenal waited too long to make attacking changes. Carragher suggested that using more proactive line ups and sending signals to the players that the manager wants to win—not just avoid losing—are essential for competing for the Premier League title.

The former Liverpool defender warned that if Arsenal continues with this risk-averse strategy in major fixtures, it could cost them in the title race. He said supporters and Arteta must hope that this pattern doesn’t repeat late in the season when every point matters.

What do you think — is Arteta playing it too safe in big games? Could a more aggressive approach help Arsenal finally take the title? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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