Carragher: Faltering rivals can hand Arsenal title

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal won’t have a better chance to win the Premier League with so many of their rivals struggling this season.

Arsenal are now two points behind surprise leaders Leicester City and are four points ahead of Manchester City following the 2-1 victory over Manuel Pellegrini’s men on Monday night.

The result means City are now without a win away from home in five matches, while Manchester United have dropped out of the top four and Chelsea are only thee points above the relegation zone.

And when asked on Sky Sports whether Arsenal are favourites for the title, Carragher replied: “Yes, just. It’s the injuries that are going to be the problem for them, how quickly they can get these players back.

“But the four-point cushion they have got, and the way the other sides are playing, they are just favourites. They’ve got to take advantage of it now. For Arsenal now, I said before the game this was one of the biggest league games they’ve had for years, and probably for years to come.

“Beating big teams has been a massive problem for Arsenal over the years. I wouldn’t necessarily say Arsenal have gone to a different level this season, it’s more that other teams have dropped off, and Arsenal have maintained their level from the last couple of years.

“But they’ve got to take advantage of other teams dropping off because these teams next season will be back and better.”

Arsenal are likely to encouraged by the fact the last two times they have won the title, they were sitting second at Christmas, the same position they are in this year.