Carragher Critiques Arteta’s ‘Most Attacking Goalkeeper’ Claim Amid ‘Handbrake’ Feud Escalation

Jamie Carragher Escalates ‘Handbrake’ Row with Arteta Over Arsenal Tactics
By Tum Balogun, Sports Reporter

Jamie Carragher has dismissed Mikel Arteta’s defense of Arsenal’s cautious approach in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City, calling the manager’s claims about his team’s attacking intent “nonsensical.” Arteta faced backlash for his defensive lineup against an injury-hit City side, with critics accusing him of stifling his team’s creativity.

Arteta hit back ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup match, insisting his squad—including goalkeeper David Raya, whom he labeled the “most attacking stopper” in the Premier League—has offensive firepower. But Carragher, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, dismantled the argument point by point.

Carragher questioned Arteta’s justification for his tactics.

“[Arteta] started with the goalkeeper, saying, ‘We’ve got the most attacking goalkeeper in the league,’” Carragher said. “Then he mentioned his full-backs, who are actually center-backs. He talked about Martin Zubimendi as a creative No. 6 and a wide player who played center forward last season. None of it stacked up.”

Arteta’s lineup against City featured a midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and Declan Rice, with Leandro Trossard on the wing. Key attackers like Gabriel Martinelli and Ebere Eze started on the bench, despite Martinelli scoring a late equalizer.

Arteta’s conservative setup drew criticism after the match.

Carragher argued that Arteta wasted the first half by prioritizing caution: “The team is there in front of you. If you’re playing four center-backs and three defensive midfielders, you can’t call that attacking.” He also expressed concern that Arteta’s post-match remarks might signal misplaced confidence in his tactics.

Gary Neville likened Arsenal’s approach to “driving with the handbrake on,” pointing out that City registered just 32.8% possession—their lowest ever under Pep Guardiola in a league game. The result left Arsenal five points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Arteta called goalkeeper David Raya the league’s “most attacking stopper.”

Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces has also drawn scrutiny. Carragher noted, “If their set pieces work, they’ll have half a chance [to win the league]. If not, they won’t.” The Gunners have scored 12 goals from set plays this season but struggled in open play.

With a trip to Newcastle next, Arteta faces pressure to unleash his side’s attacking potential. Carragher’s critique underscores a growing belief that Arsenal’s conservatism could cost them the title—unless Arteta removes the “handbrake” for good.

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