Jamie Carragher questions whether Mikel Arteta is adopting Jose Mourinho-type defensive tactics at Arsenal in break away from Pep Guardiola’s influence
- Arsenal are widely praised for their defensive soundness under Mikel Arteta
- Jamie Carragher says they have switched to a pragmatic approach in some games
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Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal under Mikel Arteta will adopt Jose Mourinho-type tactics to escape Pep Guardiola’s influence.
Arteta’s side have won plaudits for their defensive solidity as they challenged Manchester City for the Premier League title over the past two seasons.
The Spaniard joined the club after leaving his role as Guardiola’s assistant at champions City, where he was partly responsible for their free-flowing style.
Arsenal have started the new season strongly and face Liverpool on Sunday evening hoping to close the gap at the top of the table.
William Saliba has missed his suspension and his absence prompted Carragher to wonder whether Arteta might want to adopt a safety-first approach.
Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal are using Jose Mourinho-type defensive tactics
The Gunners have been praised for their defensive soundness under Mikel Arteta
Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit also compared the gradual transition at Arsenal to Mourinho’s infamous pragmatic blueprint.
“It’s interesting how they’ve done that, they’ve gotten better players as time has gone on,” Carragher said.
‘I always felt that Mikel Arteta came in as a disciple of Pep Guardiola, but over time his team is getting closer to Jose Mourinho in terms of style, the defensive style.
“It will be interesting once Saliba is out, if they feel they can lead the way and go man to man, which they like to do. Maybe they’ll pull back a bit.
‘It’s not a good game against City sometimes, but they get the job done.’
Ahead of the showdown at the Emirates, Carragher also praised Arne Slot’s Reds after their blistering start to his first campaign in the dugout.
Mourinho’s notoriously pragmatic approach has won him a host of trophies during his career
Carragher tipped Arsenal to pull back more than usual in their showdown against Liverpool
“I think when you go to a title rival it’s hard to say you’re favourite,” he added. ‘If Arsenal have the players it might be 50-50.
‘But you can’t deny that it’s a brilliant start. You then think of United [Sir Alex] Ferguson, Arsenal next [Arsene] Wenger.
‘It’s almost a relief that the wheels didn’t fall off. They didn’t actually sign anyone. It was a brilliant start, but the tests will now be a lot tougher.’
