Jamie Carragher remains convinced that Manchester City are Arsenal's primary challengers for the Premier League title. The former Liverpool defender acknowledges the possibility of significant progress for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, yet he still ranks Enzo Maresca's team above the Londoners.
After the first round of fixtures, Arsenal are atop the table following a 3-0 victory against Coventry, while City fought back to draw with Bournemouth and Liverpool salvaged a point against Newcastle in injury time. Chelsea also got off to a promising start, edging Fulham 3-2.
Carragher admitted that Rodri's departure has made him question City’s title prospects:
"A few weeks ago, I thought Manchester City had a good chance of winning the Premier League. I believed Arsenal might focus more on the Champions League after getting so close to winning it last season, while City would be desperate to reclaim the title.
But after Rodri's departure, I've changed my mind. I just can't see how City can win the Premier League this season without him."
He acknowledged that City remain a stronger side compared to Chelsea, and their lack of European competitions could actually play into Chelsea's hands — as we've seen with other clubs in the past.
However, as it stands, Carragher is backing City as the team likely to finish second behind Arsenal.
The pundit also highlighted Chelsea's attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer:
There were aspects I was genuinely excited about. On paper, that attacking trio looks fantastic, and on the pitch, they performed accordingly.
"Joao Pedro was magnificent, Morgan Rogers started excellently, and Cole Palmer was brilliant. When it comes to that attacking trio, they are currently up there with the best in the Premier League."
However, Carragher sees a significant problem for Chelsea at the other end of the pitch — in goal:
"I'm worried about their defensive play. They conceded two goals, and if you look at the goalkeeper...
They need to resolve their goalkeeper issue because this problem will come back to haunt them this season, just as it did today.
Chelsea will never win the title with Sanchez in goal. It's impossible. Just look at the teams that have won championships in recent years.
Pep Guardiola brought Ederson to City. Liverpool signed Alisson. Arsenal would not have won the title with Aaron Ramsdale instead of David Raya. It's just not feasible.
In fact, Raya has been one of the key reasons behind Arsenal's championship success. Without him, they wouldn’t have won the Premier League."
