UPDATE NOW : Jamie Carragher names one player who can guarantee Premier League title to Arsenal

Jamie Carragher has identified the one Arsenal player that Manchester City would most want sidelined to strengthen their chances in the Premier League title race. With City midfielder Rodri recently ruled out for the season, a significant blow to Pep Guardiola’s squad, the focus has shifted to which Arsenal player’s absence could equally disrupt the Gunners’ title hopes.

Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football show, Carragher pinpointed Arsenal’s standout defender William Saliba as the player City would most benefit from seeing out of action.

“Saliba,” Carragher stated when asked which Arsenal star City would want removed from the title picture. “I don’t think they’ve got much backup at centre-back, really. If [Declan] Rice went out, they’ve got [Thomas] Partey, they’ve got Jorginho. At centre-back, who would you bring in? Left-footed options like [Riccardo] Calafiori and [Jakub] Kiwior. I think Saliba, definitely.

William Saliba has solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top central defenders, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. His absence was sorely felt last season, as the French international missed the final 11 games due to a back injury, during which Arsenal’s title challenge faltered, allowing City to secure the trophy.

William Saliba has solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top central defenders, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. His absence was sorely felt last season, as the French international missed the final 11 games due to a back injury, during which Arsenal’s title challenge faltered, allowing City to secure the trophy.

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“Saliba,” Carragher stated when asked which Arsenal star City would want removed from the title picture. “I don’t think they’ve got much backup at centre-back, really. If [Declan] Rice went out, they’ve got [Thomas] Partey, they’ve got Jorginho. At centre-back, who would you bring in? Left-footed options like [Riccardo] Calafiori and [Jakub] Kiwior. I think Saliba, definitely.”

Arsenal – William Saliba

William Saliba has solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top central defenders, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. His absence was sorely felt last season, as the French international missed the final 11 games due to a back injury, during which Arsenal’s title challenge faltered, allowing City to secure the trophy.

Saliba himself believes that his injury was pivotal to Arsenal’s 2022-23 title loss, stating, “It’s clear that with me, Arsenal could have been champions. But injuries are part of football.”

Saliba’s importance to Arsenal has also been praised by new midfield signing Declan Rice, who recently spoke about the impact the 23-year-old and his fellow defenders have on the team’s success.

“The two centre-backs, I can’t speak highly enough of them, and the goalkeeper [David Raya]. He has gone to the next level, unbelievable,” Rice told TNT Sports. “They love defending. When you’ve got that three, the little triangle, who want it as much as they do, it is really good.”