Carragher says Arsenal needs to win against Aston Villa to stay in title race

Jamie Carragher has highlighted a significant early challenge for Arsenal in their quest for a first Premier League title in 20 years. After a strong performance last season, where they narrowly missed out to Manchester City, Carragher pointed out that a single defeat against Aston Villa ultimately derailed their championship ambitions. In his column for The Telegraph, he noted that had Arsenal secured a win against Villa, they would have clinched the title, emphasizing the critical nature of that match. Following a solid 2-0 victory over Wolves in their season opener, Arsenal faces Aston Villa again this Saturday, a team that previously defeated them twice last season. Carragher stressed the importance of this match, suggesting that even at this early stage, a win could be pivotal for Arsenal's title aspirations. He remarked that the title race effectively begins with the opening weekend, and any points lost before Christmas could have lasting repercussions. Carragher acknowledged the psychological pressure on Arsenal, particularly given their history with Villa. He cautioned against the potential loss of confidence that could arise from an early setback, especially at a challenging venue like Villa Park. The former Liverpool defender noted that the pressure to keep pace with Manchester City can weigh heavily on teams, making every dropped point feel significant. As Arsenal prepares for this crucial match, they continue to bolster their squad, having recently signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, aiming to strengthen their chances in the title race.