Jamie Carragher calls Arsenal the best defensive team in world football after Liverpool win
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has described Arsenal as the best defensive team in world football following their impressive 1-0 Premier League victory at Anfield on Sunday. The former England defender believes Arsenal's defensive organisation sets them apart from their rivals, highlighting their attention to detail during Monday Night Football on Sky Sports.
Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal from Declan Rice's cross as Arsenal secured their first league victory at Anfield since September 2012. The result returned Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, three points ahead of Manchester City, while extending their advantage over Liverpool to nine points.
Analysing the match alongside Everton captain Seamus Coleman, Carragher highlighted the contrasting defensive performances of both teams. He examined Liverpool's failure to prevent Havertz from converting at the far post, questioning the positioning and communication of the defenders involved.
Carragher was particularly critical of Ronald Araujo, who had spotted Havertz before the cross arrived but failed to prevent the Arsenal forward from scoring. The former Liverpool defender then contrasted that mistake with Jurrien Timber's positioning during a similar situation at the opposite end.
Timber recognised the danger developing behind him and communicated with Noni Madueke to ensure Arsenal maintained their defensive structure. Carragher suggested that such details illustrated why Arsenal have become so difficult to break down.
"That's why that team are the best defensive team, not just in the Premier League, but I think in world football right now," he said. The 48-year-old also praised Arsenal's pressing in the build-up to Havertz's winner, highlighting Martin Odegaard's anticipation and Declan Rice's contribution.
He acknowledged Liverpool's mistakes in possession but insisted Arsenal deserved credit for exploiting their opponents' weaknesses. Coleman agreed with Carragher's assessment, pointing to the collective commitment displayed by Arsenal's players when defending.
The Everton defender was particularly impressed by their communication, organisation and willingness to celebrate successful defensive interventions. He also suggested that Arsenal would remain the team to beat in the Premier League title race.
The praise comes after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta guided his side to another important clean sheet against one of their principal rivals. Arsenal's defensive resilience has been a defining feature of their success, with David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba forming the foundation of their backline.