Jamie Carragher has stood firm on his claim that Mikel Arteta is reshaping Arsenal into a team resembling Jose Mourinho’s pragmatic style. Speaking on *Monday Night Football*, the former Liverpool defender argued that Arteta’s tactical evolution reflects a move away from Pep Guardiola’s intricate approach in favor of physicality and efficiency, aiming to finally secure the Premier League title.
Arsenal currently sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool after 11 matches, but Carragher’s colleague Gary Neville still backs Arteta’s approach to deliver success. Neville believes that this shift—however unorthodox for a Guardiola protégé—could help Arsenal overcome their recent title frustrations after finishing second to Manchester City in consecutive seasons.
Carragher’s perspective is supported by data. Analysis from *The Athletic* reveals that Arsenal now opt to play long goal kicks (over 40 metres) 70% of the time, the highest percentage in the Premier League. Everton follows at 63%, while Nottingham Forest sits third at 57%. In stark contrast, Manchester City resort to long kicks just 25% of the time, Liverpool 16%, and Tottenham have not done so once this season.
Responding to Arsenal fans’ criticism on X (formerly Twitter), Carragher quipped: “Arsenal fans telling me they aren’t direct like Jose!” His remarks sparked a wave of debate among supporters, but Carragher has been clear that his analysis is not intended as a slight on Arteta or his methods.
“There was a feeling that Arsenal weren’t strong or powerful enough,” Carragher explained. “Arteta has addressed that with signings like Declan Rice, who is 6ft 2in and a box-to-box player. Kai Havertz, while not silky, adds physicality and aerial strength. Jurrien Timber, despite his injury, was brought in as a solid defensive option, not a playmaker like Zinchenko.”
Carragher emphasized that these changes signal a deliberate shift in Arsenal’s identity. “This isn’t about making headlines; it’s an analysis,” he stated. “The team has gone from intricate, possession-based players to stronger, more physical ones. It’s not a criticism—it’s an observation of a manager adapting to win.”
Drawing parallels with Mourinho, Carragher pointed out that the Portuguese coach’s pragmatic style delivered three Premier League titles. He believes Arteta is embracing similar methods to elevate Arsenal into genuine title contenders.
Whether this approach will succeed remains to be seen. As debates around Arsenal’s tactical evolution continue, the coming months will reveal if Arteta’s blend of pragmatism and physicality can overcome Guardiola-inspired artistry in a league shaped by it. For now, Carragher’s assessment is clear: the stats back his claim, and Arsenal’s transformation is undeniable.
