Jamie Carragher says Liverpool & Arsenal ‘have to’ do one thing to beat Man City in title race

Jamie Carragher has said Liverpool and Arsenal must beat Manchester City when they meet again this season, if either side have realistic hopes of claiming the league title.

City beat Brentford 3-1 on Monday night to move level on points with Arsenal and they trail leaders Liverpool by two points. But crucially, City have a game in hand on both clubs, which comes in two weeks against Brentford.

After a slow start to the campaign, suddenly Pep Guardiola’s side look like they’ve clicked into gear and they’ve now won five straight league games in a row. The Blues enjoyed extended winning runs during the winter or spring in each of the last three seasons and ultimately went on to claim the title.

That's the worry for Liverpool and Arsenal - especially with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne back - but Carragher has told City’s rivals not to become too obsessed with the champions' form, and instead said it's about focusing on the clashes against City later this season. Guardiola's side travel to Anfield and host Arsenal in March, and the former defender feels they could be pivotal games in the race for first place.

“I think from Liverpool and Arsenal’s point of view, there will be this nervousness and [signs out loud] City and are coming back and going to go on a run, but Arsenal and Liverpool have got to both play City,” Carragher said on Sky.

“If you’re going to win the league you have to beat City. Then the other teams that you play, you’re probably going to be favourites for most of the games you go into. 

“I think it’s important for the players and fans not to get too downhearted with what Manchester City are doing. Forget City, when you play them do the job and concentrate on your own game and try and drag it out as long as possible, and who knows what can happen.”