Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher has echoed Mikel Arteta’s concerns about Arsenal’s ongoing struggles to create chances against elite opposition, following their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning 83rd-minute strike from over 30 yards secured all three points for the Reds at Anfield, extending their perfect start to the Premier League season and putting them top of the table.
After the match, Arteta described the result as disappointing, highlighting his team’s inability to capitalise on the few chances they managed to create. Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, agreed with the Arsenal manager, pointing to a deeper, recurring issue.
“Arsenal’s problem is creating. That was the issue for them last season too — they don’t create enough,” Carragher said.
The former Liverpool defender suggested that, despite personnel changes, the Gunners remain too passive in attack, especially in big away games.
“Arsenal needed to shift slightly, become a bit more proactive with the ball. Okay, you bring in Zubimendi, Eze, and Gyökeres up front — but it’s only been three games, and in the two away matches so far, nothing has changed,” Carragher added.
“They’re heavily reliant on set pieces, create very little in open play, and yes, they may be the best defensive side in Europe, but that’s not enough if you want to win the league.”
The loss was Arsenal’s first of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, ending their unbeaten start to the season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya blamed the Premier League’s new Puma match ball for his inability to stop Szoboszlai’s long-range free-kick, saying the ball moves differently than the previous Nike version and requires further adaptation.
